Independent Member for Alfred Cove Dr Janet Woollard has called on the City of Melville to review its policy regarding waste charges for pensioners following concerns from elderly constituents.

"Changing the way the City structures their rates could enable pensioners to take full advantage of the State Government funded pensioner rebates and reduce the amount they would pay for waste charges," said Dr Woollard.

"The City currently charges pensioners $320 for waste collection and disposal, by applying the charge separately from general household rates.

"As the State Government rebate on waste charges are only available on general household rates, if the City combines waste charges with general household rates, pensioners could save $160 annually on waste collection and disposal."

Dr Woollard indicated she has contacted the Minister for Local Government’s office for clarification regarding this matter.

"The Minister’s policy advisor has confirmed that it is possible for a local government to incorporate the cost of waste services in the general household thereby enabling pensioners to receive the rebate," said Dr Woollard.

"I am aware of several local governments that have structured their rates in this way.

"I have written to the City of Melville to ask that they consider including the cost of waste collection and disposal in their general household rates in the 2011/2012 budget.

"This strategy would help to keep pensioners’ costs at a minimum whilst having negligible impact on the Council or on other ratepayers."