DEFRA's decision comes as part of the Local Government Finance Settlement, announced last week by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, aimed at reducing expenses for councils in 2004-05 and preventing further increases in Council Tax.
Making the announcement, local government minister Nick Raynsford said: “This settlement will enable councils to deliver improved services at reasonable Council Tax levels. I have said many times the current trend in Council Tax rises is unsustainable. We do have targeted capping powers and we are prepared to use them. But with this settlement there really should be no need for excessive increases.”
The delay to the Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme (LATS) is part of a wider range of funding measures in waste that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs hopes will reduce council spending by up to 35 million.
Speaking to letsrecycle.com on Friday, a spokesman for DEFRA confirmed the delay of Landfill Allowance Trading, which was originally expected to begin next year following the passing of the Waste and Emissions Trading Bill by Parliament this month.
The spokesman said: “This funding package includes a 10 million deferral of the Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme to 2005-06, through which local authorities should save 10 million by deferring investment in waste facilities.”
The savings of up to 25 million in other areas of waste have not yet been identified by government officials.
The spokesman explained: “As for the other 25 million, DEFRA is currently discussing ways to save councils money to make up the 35 million and we will make an announcement soon.”
For more information on the Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme, see the letsrecycle.com legislation page.
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