Estelle Brachlianoff, who argued that Veolia had already invested 1.6 billion in the UK over the past 14 years, called on the Chancellor to ensure an appropriate planning and permitting regime exists if the government wants to attract future business for the sector.
She went on to suggest that the government made no secret of its enthusiasm for inward investment on infrastructure projects, and agreed with the Confederation of British Industry that actions speak louder than words.
Ms Brachlianoff said: The UK recovery is currently being driven by increased consumption and requires both international and domestic investment to deliver sustainable economic growth.
Investment
Whilst the Government has made no secret of the fact that it would welcome greater inward investment, particularly in infrastructure, we agree with the CBI that actions speak louder than words As a multinational company which has already invested 1.6bn in UK PLC since 2000, we are waiting for tangible signs of this engagement which in a competitive market would encourage us to select the UK as part of our next long-term investment cycle.
She added: We currently have a shovel-ready recycling and energy recovery facility still waiting for government go-ahead despite planning authority approval, and being the result of an initiative by the local authority to increase landfill diversion.
It is these types of delays which make institutional investors concerned whether the UK is indeed open for business. The Government must ensure it has the appropriate planning, environmental and permitting regime in place if it is to attract inward investment which will create vital jobs and growth in the future.
‘Willpower’
Ms Brachlianoffs statement echoes comments made at the launch of Londons first district heating scheme at the South East London Combined Heat and Power Plant (SELCHP) in Deptford in November 2013, when she called for more political willpower to fund waste infrastructure (see letsrecycle.com story).
And, following the Chancellors short-term measures to reduce household energy bills in the Autumn Statement last year, Ms Brachlianoff argued greater focus on energy-from-waste would help diversify UK renewable energy and stabilise prices (see letsrecycle.com story).
Related Links
The waste and recycling industry will be watching todays Budget announcement closely, with the Environmental Services Association and the Renewable Energy Association among those calling for clarification on the future rate of landfill tax from 2015.
Increased investment in tackling waste crime and reforms to the PRN system are also high on the industry agenda.
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