Council backs call to give residents a voice on regional authority
Councillors called on an important regional waste and recycling authority to give St Helens Borough residents the representation they need on its committees.
Article date: 17 September 2026
At Full Council on Wednesday 16 September councillors backed a motion led by Deputy Council Leader Councillor Michael Gibson which calls on the Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA) to expand its committee and working group membership and apply political balance to make sure that each member council can sit on them.
Councillor Gibson said: "We are one of five boroughs who make up the MRWA alongside Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral; yet the working groups that work to develop the direction of the organisation do not include each member council. This year, following the vote at the MRWA's Annual General Meeting, we have found ourselves without a place on a single committee or working group to help influence the authority's developments on behalf of our residents despite requests.
"All we ask is that there is fair representation on these committees and working groups from all members, who are there to serve for the residents of Merseyside. At present there is no voice for St Helens Borough in important discussions about some of the crucial issues that matter to residents. This comes at a time when a consultation has been launched that could impact the service our residents get from our borough's household waste and recycling centres, what we know locally as our tips - with potential to reduce the amount you can use your local tip.
"We have also called for the evidence that the proposed changes - which would see the tip use restricted to Merseyside residents only, limits on the number of visits in a year, making visits by appointment only, and sorting collections before being brought to the tip - will not have a negative impact on our borough. We also want to see the details of how these proposals would operate if they are brought in and will reiterate our wish for them to remain easily accessible for all."
To find out more about the consultation, which closes on Tuesday 22 September and to take part visit: Help Shape the Future of Household Waste Recycling Centres in Merseyside - Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority