Press Statement
9 March 2017
Chancellor’s support for skills is welcome, says CIWM, but more on resource productivity will be needed
Commenting on the Spring 2017 budget, CIWM has welcomed the proposal to consult on extending the scope of Landfill Tax to illegal disposals of waste made without the required permit or licence as a useful measure in the fight against waste crime. It also hopes that the ongoing drive to tackle tax avoidance will translate into further support for enforcement activity on landfill tax evasion by the authorities.
“We are also encouraged that the Government has listened to many of the key stakeholders across the sector and opted for the higher packaging recycling targets for 2018 -2020,” says CIWM chief executive Dr Colin Church. “This sends a clear signal of ambition, which we hope will be reflected across the wider waste and resource policy agenda in Defra’s forthcoming 25 year Environment Plan and the industrial strategy.”
“On skills, CIWM is pleased to see the Government’s commitment to new ‘T’ level qualifications that put technical training on an equal footing with academic qualifications. If the UK economy and infrastructure framework is to become more productive and resilient in the future, circular economy and clean tech skills will be essential.
“Stronger signals on resources will be needed moving forward, however. In this Budget the Chancellor focuses on labour productivity; in the future we will all need to increase our efforts to improve resource productivity to support the UK’s transition to a low carbon, resilient and resource efficient economy.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- CIWM (Chartered Institution of Wastes Management) is the leading professional body for the waste management sector representing over 6,000 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. More information can be found at www.ciwm.co.uk
Press contact:
Pat Jennings
Head of Policy & Communications
Tel: 01604 620426
Mob: 07912 228260
E-mail: pat.jennings@ciwm.co.uk