Oldham Council has been accused of still using throwaway cups nearly six years after it voted to ban them.
In March 2018, the authority voted in favour of banning single-use plastics in all council buildings, but five years and 11 months on, disposable cups can still be found by water machines.
Now, Cllr Howard Sykes, leader of the Liberal Dems in the borough, has criticised the administration for "not doing enough to lead by example", and has written to Civic Centre bosses demanding answers.
He said: “Oldham Council supported a Liberal Democrat motion banning single-use plastics in council buildings back in March 2018.
“Nearly six years later I am disappointed to see single-use plastic cups are still available at water coolers in the Civic Centre and other single-use plastics are prevalent inside council buildings.”
In October, a countrywide ban on single-use plastics came into effect, something Oldham Council is responsible for enforcing locally through trading standards.
The Shaw ward member continued: “How can we hope to encourage businesses in Oldham to do their bit for the environment by cutting out single-use plastics, if the council can’t even get this right in its own buildings? It is just another case of not getting the basics right.
“I’ve written to the leader of the council urging her administration to take serious action to make this ban a reality.”
In his letter addressed to Cllr Arooj Shah, of Labour, he explained that he understands the "need to use up stocks" but asserted that six years on "that is not the case".
The veteran councillor, who has been on the authority since the 80s, has now called for Cllr Shah to provide an update on what the council is doing to take the "ban seriously".
Speaking on behalf of the administration, Cllr Abdul Jabbar, Cabinet member for finance and corporate resources, said: "The council is serious about recycling, as are our residents.
"Thanks to their efforts recycling rates were up nearly 10 per cent last year - one of the biggest rises in the country.
"We are always looking to cut down on single-use plastics so as an organisation we can become eco-friendlier and more sustainable, but like everyone else we can do more.
“To support our commitment to a healthier workplace for staff and council members, we now use cups made from recycled material in areas, such as our Civic Centre reception.
"We also encourage staff to bring in their own reusable water bottles to cut down on waste."
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