Since Caroline Spelman announced Defra’s plans for a review of all waste policy the industry has been discussing the pros and cons of such a potential overhaul of strategy. Whilst some have welcomed the plans, believing it is necessary to meet the new challenges facing the industry, many have expressed concern that it will cause further delays to the progress of new infrastructure.
Today the government has announced the terms of the review and has issued a call for evidence, with the intention of producing initial findings in Spring 2011.
Whilst there is nothing particularly surprising in the terms of reference there are a few interesting points to note:
- Renewable energy targets: There is a clear indication that the government sees waste playing a role in meeting renewable energy targets, which will be a relief to many who feared that the potential for waste to contribute in this area was being overlooked
- Localism: The localism agenda is permeating into waste policy – the terms state that the government aims to “decentralise decision making powers on matters that affect local communities to local authorities and to communities themselves, and for them to be accountable for those decisions”. In line with recent comments from the government you can see this coming into play in relation to the choice of waste treatment options for local areas, enabling the government to avoid becoming involved in controversial discussions around waste technologies
- Incentives: Unsurprisingly any potential incentives are being couched within “current fiscal constraints”, with no reference to funding of infrastructure
- Energy from Waste: When referring to EfW the focus is placed on “cost-effective generation of renewable energy from residual waste” – this focus on cost, rather than the previously favoured call for ‘environmentally friendly’ or ‘clean’ energy generation is interesting and will be welcomed by developers who have tried and tested technologies which have proven to be value for money
- Infrastructure: Infrastructure is mentioned (both EfW and AD – which will please many who have criticised the government in recent weeks for focusing too heavily on AD, although the government’s preference for AD is still present) and the role of planning to “enable community ownership of waste infrastructure”. This echoes the wider reform of the planning system and government thinking that greater community involvement in the development of waste infrastructure proposals will ease their progress through the planning system. No doubt some of those responding to this review will be at pains to point out that experience has proven this is more challenging than it seems! The review also calls for ideas on how to ensure “the right contribution of EfW” which is bound to generate debate among campaigners on both sides
What the review will do is give the industry the chance to engage with government on the issues, challenges and opportunities in the sector. Whether this will lead to a step change in policy remains to be seen.
Click here for the full terms of reference for the review of waste policies.
For advice on submitting evidence to the review please contact our Head of Waste & Resources Rebecca Eatwell directly using the details below.
Rebecca Eatwell
Head of Waste & Resources
T 0161 832 2139
E rebecca.eatwell@ppsgroup.co.uk
Written by Stephen Byfield