Committees

Waste Strategy: Implications for local authorities examined by Committee

22 March 2019

The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee has launched a new inquiry into the implications of the Resources and Waste Strategy for England on local authorities.

In December 2018, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs launched the Resources and Waste Strategy setting out how the country can minimise waste, promote resource efficiency and move towards a circular economy. The strategy touches on a number of functions that are the responsibility of local authorities including food waste collection and recycling for households and businesses.

Purpose of the inquiry

The new inquiry will look at the financial implications of the proposals for local authorities to meet increased standards for waste management. It will also consider how appropriate a standardised approach to waste services will be, or if there are benefits for allowing a degree of local flexibility. The Committee will also investigate how joint-working between layers of local government with responsibility for waste can be improved.

Chair's comments

Launching the inquiry, Committee Chair Clive Betts MP said:

"It is important that there is a comprehensive strategy to increase the levels of recycling. But ahead of placing greater responsibilities on local authorities we must first look at their ability to meet them. With budgets shrinking, and acute challenges elsewhere, is there capacity to tackle increased demands on waste services?

"We will also be looking at how appropriate a one-size-fits-all approach will be, and if there would be benefits to allowing local authorities some flexibility to meet the specific waste challenges in their area."

Send in your views

The Committee is inviting submissions on:

  • What the financial implications are for local authorities of the Government's Waste Strategy.
  • What the likely effects will be on the recycling rates of local authorities.
  • How provisions in the strategy may affect existing contracts for waste collection and disposal.
  • Should waste services be standardised across England or should there continue to be flexibilities for local authorities.
  • What the opportunities are for closer joint-working between authorities, particularly in two-tier areas.

Send in your views to the inquiry on Waste Strategy: Implications for local authorities.

The deadline for written submissions is 26 April 2019.

Further information