Press Statement
Wednesday 23rd June 2010

CIWM statement on the Budget June 2010

Tough measures were clearly on the agenda and this Budget has confirmed that public sector spending will turn sharply downwards until at least 2014/15. For our industry, it has provided some high level pointers on departmental cuts, as well as a greater reliance on the private sector for infrastructure provision.

However, there is too little detail to assess the full impact; we will have to wait until the Comprehensive Spending Review later this year.  By then, we would hope to have a much clearer picture of the areas of Defra’s work that will be subject to cuts, as well as a detailed assessment of the UK’s infrastructure needs that includes waste and resource management, and a credible plan demonstrating how this is going to be paid for. It is critical that the Government creates the right environment to engage the private sector in the development of essential future infrastructure.

In the Chancellor’s tax measures, we welcome the confirmation of the Landfill Tax escalator to 2014 and the setting of the £80 floor to 2020, but this will need to be matched with incentives to encourage alternative treatment technologies, including a more effective energy tax regime that stimulates the right investment in waste-related renewable energy.

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

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