CIWM says Government must do more to support future waste infrastructure

CIWM Statement
30th November 2011

CIWM has welcomed the broad recognition in the Chancellor's Autumn Statement that action is needed to stimulate and support the development of new infrastructure in the UK, but says there is little good news for the waste and resource management sector.

"The National Infrastructure Plan recognises the need for new waste infrastructure to deal with waste "at all levels of the hierarchy" and provides a useful snapshot of existing interventions aimed at ensuring that the UK meets its obligations under the EU Landfill Directive and Waste Framework Directives," says CIWM chief executive Steve Lee.

"However, if the Government truly aspires to a 'zero waste economy', it will have to do more to stimulate the investment that this sector needs. The assurances about improving the planning system are welcome, but we still have little detail on how the Green Investment Bank will support waste infrastructure and CIWM calls on the Government to consider how Landfill Tax revenues could be made available to the GIB to ensure that waste projects are properly supported.

"This industry has made strong progress in the last decade, as is evidenced in the Plan, and it has a major contribution to make to resource efficiency and security, sustainable economic growth and a low carbon future. Government must demonstrate that it is committed to providing the right support to develop this critical future infrastructure."

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

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