TRAFFORD’S controversial green bin charge is to be scrapped under budget proposals tabled by town hall bosses.

However, residents will take a financial hit as council tax will rise by 3.99 per cent, the equivalent of £46 per year for a Band D property.

The move comes after the under-pressure authority finds ways to slash millions from its budget over the next three years.

Figures show that council chiefs need to make almost £14m of savings this year to balance the books – and that figure will rise to £46 million by 2022.

The unpopular waste charge was introduced under Tory rule in 2017.

However, last year the Conservatives lost control of the council after 14 years in power.

In a 10-point coalition deal with the Lib Dems, Labour leader Andrew Western promised to scrap the charge ‘as soon as funding becomes available’, he said.

According to council papers, the tax generates an income of around £1.8 million including additional funding for the cash-strapped authority.

However, finance boss Mike Cordingley says the council can afford to forgo the charge as a result of ‘sustainable income’ and further savings.

“These include additional savings from a debt restructuring exercise and the replacement of a sizeable market LOBO (long term) loan instrument,” he said.

Meanwhile, plans to increase the cost to park in council-owned car parks will increase.

From April, drivers will pay 50p to park for 30 minutes, up from 20p.

Under the plans, it will be £1 for up to two hours and between £2 to £5 for longer stays.

The move, which would generate £84,000, has been criticised by the Conservatives who argue the increase will deter shoppers from visiting town centres.

However, the overall total income from car parking charges for 2018/19 will make £1.356m for the council, before costs.

In addition, around £20,000 will also come from charging taxi drivers for a knowledge test.

Meanwhile, the authority also plans to save £371,000 by caring for four foster children in homes based in Trafford – instead of using out of borough services.

Plans for a new care home for those aged 16 and over are in the pipeline – and the council is predicting a £202,000 saving in this sector.

Further savings of £550,000 have been earmarked for adult services – and this will be done by remodelling how some care services for the elderly are delivered.

Last month, Tory leader Sean  Anstee criticised the draft budget – and accused Labour of having ‘little’ idea about how to balance the books.

He said proposals, such as the increase in council tax and car parking charges, should ‘concern’ residents.

While Coun Western rubbished the accusations – and labelled the attack ‘desperate’.

However, on Tuesday Cllr Western said the authority is operating in ‘very challenging’ financial circumstances.

“However, by scrapping the green waste charge we have listened to what residents have been saying, as we were the only council in Greater Manchester to charge for this service.

“It’s vitally important that we protect vulnerable people while also making Trafford a better place, where everyone has a chance to succeed and has a voice, so I am delighted that we have produced a budget that protects our front line services.”

He continued: “Despite the proposed increase, our council tax will remain one of the lowest in the north west.

“We believe this is necessary to ensure our borough continues to boast thriving communities, with people starting well, living well and ageing well.

“The budget also takes into the account the financial pressures we will face in the next few years – and that’s why we are creating additional reserves of £4.5m.

“Our vision is about working together to build the best future for all our communities and this budget will enable us to do that.”