SENIOR opposition figures in Leeds City Council have pleaded with the ruling Labour group to ditch its so-called “rubble tax”.

Charges were introduced in February 2018 for certain materials in an attempt to cover the cost of the authority’s waste disposal sites.

At a meeting of the full council last week Conservative councillor Barry Anderson (Adel and Wharfedale) brought a motion to a vote calling on the charge to be ended altogether, arguing it contributes towards high levels of fly-tipping in the city.

But the council’s executive member for environment, Coun Mohammed Rafique, claimed fly tipping was worse in other cities.

Responding to Coun Anderson’s motion, Labour submitted an amendment, which was passed, attacking central government cuts.

It concluded: “Council requests a future executive board paper to consider evidence of effective measures to reduce waste crime.”