Ken Livingstone was responding to the objection by the boroughs' representative organisation the Association of London Government to his proposed London-wide waste disposal authority (see letsrecycle.com story).
– Ken Livingstone
The Mayor wants to take control of the whole of London's waste disposal services, but the ALG is opposed to the plan. This is partly on the grounds that the ALG believes boroughs that have already invested in recycling infrastructure would have to contribute towards more infrastructure for boroughs that have not invested.
Mayor
Responding to the criticism, Mr Livingstone told letsrecycle.com: “It is incorrect to say that boroughs who have already invested in new recycling and recovery systems will have to pay twice to make up for failing boroughs. Although the final decision on funding will rest with the government, I am committed to seeking a fair and equitable arrangement for those investing in recycling and waste management in London.”
As well as taking control of waste disposal services for London's 33 boroughs, the Mayor also wants to gain the planning powers to establish over 300 new recycling and composting facilities. He believes the current system, in which 16 joint and unitary-borough disposal authorities run disposal services across London, is nor working.
Mr Livingstone said: 'We need to recycle more and divert more waste from landfill in London to avoid facing massive fines from government and the EU. I believe a more co-ordinated approach to waste disposal through one strategic authority is the best way to do this.”
Westminster
Meanwhile, Westminster city council today revealed its opposition to the Mayor's plan to set up a single waste authority for London. This was partly on the grounds that Westminster taxpayers would lose out on the benefits of landfill allowances income, and “our own highly advantageous waste-disposal contract”.
In a letter to local government minister David Milliband, the leader of Westminster city council – Sir Simon Milton – objected to a “one size fits all” approach to London's waste, and said the boroughs were the best-placed organisations to run local waste services.
Sir Simon wrote: “We recognise that a new arrangement is likely to be favoured by those boroughs whose current performance is poor and whose finances will not be damaged by a single body in the way that Westminster's will. However, we share the widespread view that no business case has yet been made for the Mayor's preferred option of a Single Waste Authority, either generally or in relation to less drastic and potentially damaging options (such as London-wide or sub-regional groupings of disposal authorities).”
Planning
Westminster city council is also opposing the Mayor's bid for planning powers on waste, warning that it would “remove a significant and important borough responsibility”.
Sir Simon said it was “hugely premature” to draw conclusions about the performance of boroughs in planning for waste. And, he defended boroughs' efforts in the absence of specific regional guidance.
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He told ministers: “Whilst there may be some merit in a call for more robust waste site provision by boroughs across London, collectively, the Mayor has not supported a proposal for a new waste-to-energy plant that would benefit London – so appears to be inconsistent on this issue.”
Westminster city council is working with other boroughs and the ALG to look into a more collaborative approach, Sir Simon added, which would “not compromise each borough's own priorities and interests”.
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