6. What recent discussions he has had with Derby city council on its refuse collection policies. (140754)

I have had no discussions with Derby city council, but I am disappointed to hear of plans by the Labour council to charge residents for collecting their garden waste.

What assessment has my right hon. Friend made of Labour-run Derby city council’s proposed £40 brown bin tax?

There is a very good case for comparing that bin tax with what the neighbouring Amber Valley borough council is doing. That Conservative authority is about to introduce a new recycling service, which will be more convenient for households and will reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfill, and includes a free garden waste collection service. That is good practice and I encourage other councils to follow suit.