Exemptions review postponed by six months

In a note sent out on Wednesday (May 20), the department explained the review had been delayed due to the need to resolve an “increased number of policy issues” which had arisen in relation to its planned changes.

And, it particularly highlighted the proposal to introduce a new £50 blanket charge for all exemption registrations – which has proved controversial with the composting sector who claim it will damage community composting efforts (see letsrecycle.com story) – as one of those issues.

The review has also attracted criticism from the metals recycling sector over its potential to raise costs (see letsrecycle.com story), and it is thought that the government is reluctant to be seen to be increasing businesses administrative and financial burden during the recession.

Policy issues

Defra explained that: “The original proposal was to implement revised regulations by October 2009. However, the high level of stakeholder engagement during and since the consultation has led to an increased number of policy issues requiring resolution.

“There is also a desire to ensure guidance, new permits and registration systems will allow for appropriate stakeholder engagement and meet stakeholder expectations,” it added.

The note explained that, as a result, the government had delayed publishing its response to the consultation until these issues have been resolved, meaning that it was “no longer possible” to implement the review by October 2009.

“Defra, Welsh Assembly Government and the Environment Agency have therefore decided to put back the implementation of new regulations until the next available opportunity in April 2010,” it added.

Consultation

The review was initially launched with a consultation on draft changes to the permitting system in July 2008 (see letsrecycle.com story).

In particular, the government proposed a “simplification” of the system, creating a single level of exemption, rather than the current two-tier system of 'simple' and higher-risk 'notifiable' exemptions.

However, responses to the consultation published last month by Defra (see letsrecycle.com story) revealed there was a “strong aversion” across the board to introducing a blanket £50 registration charge as part of this.

Meanwhile, the metals recycling sector expressed concern over the proposed removal of the paragraph 45 exemption for the recovery of metal or dismantling of end-of-life vehicles, with Defra admitting that its plans could mean as many as 630 scrap yards that are currently exempt would have to apply for an environmental permit.