Currently, the county council has a system in place with its collection authorities which sees payments made against improvements to recycling rates and waste reduction. These are due to come to an end in March/April 2024.
This sees the Mid Kent Authorities receive fixed enabling payments, while Gravesham borough council has an agreement where the payments are varied in line with their actual recycling performance.
The council said under the system, Kent saves money through reduced gate fees at the Allington EfW plant.
Review
A report to go before the Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee on Thursday (11 November), seeks authorisation to authorise to continue existing agreements for two years, for the facilitation of payments to Gravesham, Swale, Maidstone, and Ashford borough councils by Kent county council.
The council says that with EPR payments then set to be introduced in 2025/26, it is proposed that with the benefits of these new regulations, “the county reviews it’s policy decision to consider how support payments will operate in the future to all WCAs.”
The report explained that manufacturers “will ultimately have to fund the burdens of producing packaging that is recyclable and can be reused. Payments will be made to local authorities for the collection of waste packaging materials.”
It added: “Defra’s appointed scheme administrator will fund WCAs directly, based upon the efficiency and effectiveness of their collection service, with demographic factors also accounted for.
“With this fundamental new legislation, to be introduced in 2025/26, it is proposed that, with the benefits of these new regulations, the county reviews it’s policy decision to consider how support payments will operate in the future.”
Payments
The payments for the next two years are included with the council’s budget and will be reviewed upon the introduction of the new EPR legislation in 2025/2026.
According to the budgets the councils will receive the following payments:
- Gravesham borough council £400,000 per annum
- Ashford borough council £272,000 per annum
- Maidstone borough council £333,900 per annum
- Swale borough council £297,900 per annum
Register for free to comment