A council has proposed a £59 charge for green bin garden waste collection in a bid to cut costs.

Around 100,000 residents in Stockport, Greater Manchester currently receive a weekly green bin collection for both garden and food waste free of charge.

But facing budget constraints, the council plans to make changes which could save the local authority up to £2 million.

Stockport Council has proposed keeping the weekly free green bin collection in place, but with the option of bringing in permission to charge residents for a weekly garden waste collection (£59 per year), Manchester Evening News reports.

This would be discounted to £39 for those receiving Council Tax Benefit, under the proposed changes.

The move would also mean blue bin collections, which are used to recycle things like paper and cardboard, will be collected once every four weeks rather than every two weeks, according to the store.

Cllr. Mark Roberts, deputy leader and member for climate change and environment on the council, insisted the cuts would “protect vital frontline services” including funding for things like social care, libraries and parks.

“Over 75 per cent of our budget supports vital services for vulnerable children and adults here in Stockport,” the Lib Dem said.

“Because of these restrictions we have to make tough decisions, and one of the proposed changes is to charge for garden waste collection, a service that most councils across the country already charge for.”

But Coun Peter Crossen warned the changes could lead to some residents refusing to pay for garden waste collections and burning, as well as more fly tipping.

Council leader Mark Hunter said the borough faces “significant financial challenges” and needs to save £26.5m by 2025 and £49m by 2027/28.

Trafford and Bolton councils have also revealed plans to introduce a charge of almost £45 a year for garden waste collection.

Stockport Council’s proposed austerity measures will be discussed at review committee meetings next week before a decision is made.