BIN collection complaints have risen to record levels nationally, new figures show.
In the past year, more than 400 waste collection complaints were upheld by the local government and social care ombudsman, compared with 225 in 2014-15.
According to the ombudsman's report, 81 per cent of the bin disputes his office handled were upheld, compared to 55 per cent the previous year.
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In recent years, many councils - including South Lakeland - have scrapped weekly rubbish collections in favour of fortnightly visits. General waste collections now alternate with recycleable waste such as glass, plastic, cardboard and paper.
Although there have been calls from households for the weekly rubbish collection to be restored, such a move would almost certainly lead to rises in council tax.
Cllr Martin Tett, the environment spokesman at the Local Government Association, said: "Councils know that having a reliable and efficient waste collection ahnd recycling service is hugely important to residents.
"Councils have seen their core central government funding cut by £2.2 billion this year. Faced with such funding prsssures, many are increasingly having to look at cost-effective ways of collecting waste."
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