22nd April 2009 - Press Release

CIWM Budget 2009 Response

Commenting on the 2009 Budget, Steve Lee, Chief Executive of CIWM, said:
"Greater certainty about the future of Landfill Tax is clearly one of key headlines for our sector, and we now have what the CIWM and many in the industry have been asking for - a medium term plan that takes us to 2013 and allows businesses, local authorities and the waste sector to plan effectively for the delivery of future services and treatment infrastructure. A rate of £72/tonne tax plus the gate fee is generally viewed as being the level needed to keep us moving up the waste hierarchy.

"We also welcome the consultation on modernising the landfill tax launched today, which should provide greater clarity in a number of important areas, including the re-examination of wastes that should only attract the lower (inactive) rate.

"The industry was already aware of the additional PFI support and the announcement of £10 million for anaerobic digestion (AD) and in-vessel composting is also encouraging. As Chair of Defra's AD Task Group, I believe it will help stimulate development of this technology, which clearly has a role to play in the future. Although later than expected, a consultation later this year into further landfill restrictions for biodegradable and recyclable materials should help to sharpen the focus on industrial and commercial wastes, a reprioritisation that the CIWM has been calling for.

"There are, of course, other measures, including additional support for renewables and combined heat and power that will impact on the waste industry, and CIWM will be examining their potential impact more closely in the coming days."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) is the leading professional body for the waste management sector representing over 7000 individuals in the UK and overseas. Established in 1898, CIWM is a non profit-making organisation, dedicated to the promotion of professional competence amongst waste managers. CIWM seeks to raise standards for those working in and with the sector by producing best practice guidance, developing educational and training initiatives, and providing information on key waste-related issues.

2. Comprehensive information about CIWM can be found at www.ciwm.co.uk

Contacts:

Pat Jennings
CIWM Communications Manager
Tel: 01604 620426
Mob: 07912 228260
E-mail: pat.jennings@ciwm.co.uk