This was just one of a number of attractive proposals Mr Clegg had in store for the waste and resources sector – including tougher penalties for waste criminals, a review of the landfill tax structure and scrapping the 5p charge exemption for biodegradable bags.
But others in the sector will be sceptical. After all, it was Lib Dem MP Dan Rogerson –Defra’s current resource minister – who in January stood up at an APSRG reception and said the EU Commission was right to scrap the same 70% target now being floated by his own Party.
The minister has propped up some noble causes on behalf of the waste sector during his time in office – and his continued efforts to tackle criminal activities should of course be noted.
But for Mr Rogerson to support a policy pledge that flies in the face of his Defra stance will surely raise eyebrows. It goes to show the bind politicians can find themselves in when they choose to serve within a coalition government.
All eyes are now on the other political parties, who have yet to show their cards. Will they follow the Lib Dems’ lead? The industry will not be holding its breath.
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