Cameron: I'm the man with a plan

The frequency of bin collections is a hot political topic

Weekly rubbish collections will be a key Conservative policy priority at the next election, the party has said.

Shadow communities secretary Eric Pickles said weekly bin collections would be "back" if the Tories were elected and recycling would increase.

Some English councils have moved to bi-weekly collections, citing strain on resources and the aim to recycle more.

The Tories have vowed to freeze council tax rates for two years if elected, a move critics say will hit services.

The Conservatives have denied this, saying the average household will save £200 under the plan, in which it will offer matching financial assistance to councils which limit spending increases to 2.5%.

Mr Pickles said a Tory administration would make it easier for people to recycle household waste, accusing Labour of employing an "army of bin bullies and bin taxes" to encourage recycling.

"Conservatives believe that decent rubbish collections are a vital front-line council service to help protect the local environment and public health," he said.