I think I have found out the reason why the Cabinet have voted for the 4 week bin collection.
CCBC have been doing a trial in some areas of 4 weekly collections and the findings are the recycling increased by 14% in those areas, whereas the 3 weekly collection only increased by 4%. Also the 4 weekly areas reduced the amount of refuse in the wheelie bins by 31% and the 3 weekly only 20%.
At the Cabinet meeting the description of alternatives considered were:-
Option A) Do Nothing. There will be a revenue budget shortfall of £100,000 therefore a revenue budget overspend.
Option B) Maintain current level of refuse collection with £100,000 support to align revenue budget with democratic decision.
Option C) Based on a future democratic decision there will be a £240,000 saving on the existing budget.
So it looks as if the Cabinet didn't have much choice if they are looking for cutting costs. I don't agree with the 4 weekly collection especially in the summer months, but I'm sure the rats, flies and seagulls will be in their element.