The local authority where I live is making a hash of bin collections.

Can I complain about this, and can I opt out of the bin collections and get a reduction in my council tax? G.W., Preston, Lancs.

Dean Dunham replies: First, the good news: yes, you can absolutely complain – and you should. 

Waste collection is a statutory duty. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, your council has a legal obligation to arrange the collection of household waste.

If it is persistently missing collections or generally doing a bad job, that's a failure to deliver a service it is bound to provide. 

Start with the council's formal complaints procedure. Put it in writing, keep a dated log of every missed collection or any other issues you experience with the collections and request a reference number.

It is also worth garnering support from your neighbours, which will strengthen your position.

If you exhaust the council's official complaints process, you can escalate the issue to the Local Government And Social Care Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman investigates maladministration and can recommend a remedy, including, in some cases, a modest financial payment for the distress and inconvenience caused.

Now the disappointing part. You cannot opt out of bin collections in exchange for a council tax reduction.

I know that feels counterintuitive but council tax is not a fee for specific services rendered.

It's a general property-based tax that funds everything from social care and schools to street lighting and libraries, many of which an individual may never personally use.

There's simply no mechanism to itemise it or claim a rebate for a service you would rather forego.

So, complain vigorously and hold them to their legal duty – but don't pin your hopes on a refund.

Persistence through the proper channels is your most powerful tool here.