You could end up paying to have rubbish taken away.

That was the possibility raised by a Government advisor on council tax reform.

Sir Michael Lyons warned that if people wanted to pay less tax then direct charges for council services might have to increase.

It is one of several options being considered under his review of local government finance.

A range of user charges are being considered including environmental taxes.

These would be paid on top of council tax in order to make the cost of services visible.

Friends of the Earth said the US and many other European countries have already introduced waste charging schemes with 'impressive results'.

It said in some areas the amount of rubbish that people throw out to below 150 kg per person per year - compared to the current UK average of 400kg per person per year.