There is no harm in the city council delaying the introduction of its new recycling scheme as long as the delay is not undue.

Many have expressed concern about some aspects of the collection. In a city like Oxford, a one-size-fits-all approach is not necessarily the right one. Nor is it right simply to copy what has been successful in other districts where housing and the lie of the land are entirely different.

Labour is quite right to point out that something needs to be done quickly. Authorities that do not deal properly with their waste will soon face fines. Ultimately we will all have to pay those in our taxes.