Local authorities had until close of play yesterday (January 21) to submit an expression of interest to run one of five proposed pilot schemes, under plans which were included with the Climate Change Act when it received Royal Assent in November 2008 (see letsrecycle.com story).
No local authorities have expressed an interest in piloting a scheme at this time
Jane Kennedy
In a statement shortly before yesterday's deadline, the waste and recycling minister, Jane Kennedy said: “The powers in the Climate Change Act enabling up to five voluntary pilot schemes were introduced at the request of local authorities and it is up to them whether they want to use them. No local authorities have expressed an interest in piloting a scheme at this time.
And, speaking to letsrecycle.com this morning (January 22), a spokeswoman for Defra confirmed that no last minute applications had been received.
Ms Kennedy added: “It is absolutely right and laudable that local authorities are working hard to reduce the amount of waste thrown away and increase the amount recycled, and we have seen great progress over the last few years.”
One industry expert told letsrecycle.com that the news that, no councils had applied to run a scheme would represent a blow to the government, after Defra had strongly urged councils to participate in the pilots (see letsrecycle.com story).
Reaction to yesterday's comments by Ms Kennedy came from the deputy chair of the Local Government Association (LGA), councillor Richard Kemp.
“The LGA has lobbied for councils to be able to introduce waste incentive schemes if and when it's right to do so and in a way that works locally. Evidence from America and the continent has shown these schemes can boost recycling and reward those households that do their bit for the environment,” he said.
Rules
“It is unsurprising that no councils have come forward to take part in the pilots given that DEFRA has not published its rules for how they must operate. In the absence of any steer ahead of the deadline, local authorities were understandably reluctant,” he added.
However, a Defra spokeswoman questioned the LGA's comments over a lack of guidance and pointed out that advice had been available to prospective applicants.
“Extensive draft guidance documents have been available for local authorities since June 2008, and we sought views from local authorities on this guidance last summer,” she said.
“Both Defra and WRAP have also been available to provide support and guidance to local authorities considering how they could use the powers in the Climate Change Act,” she added.
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