CIWM has strongly welcomed the announcement by the Chancellor of an additional £4.2 million for the Environment Agency to tackle waste crime but is disappointed that measures to combat littering were not part of the package.
Chief executive Steve Lee said:
"Waste crime is a serious issue. As the cost to legitimate and responsible operators of legally treating and disposing of waste has increased, so has the incentive for criminals to risk prosecution for higher rewards. Leaving aside the potential environmental damage caused by waste crime, there is increasing concern about the economic impacts. Reduced Government landfill and corporation tax and VAT, clean-up, nuisance and disamenity costs affect all of society, as well as undermining the reputation of our sector and the contribution it can make to green growth and jobs."
"On littering, however, it is disappointing that the Government did not take up the recommendation of the Communities and Local Government (CLG) Committee to set aside a proportion of any increase in tobacco levies to help local councils pay for the clean-up of cigarette related litter. This would have sent a strong signal that the Government is committed to supporting local government in its efforts to maintain local environmental quality in times of constrained budgets."
The full set of Budget 2015 documents can be found here
ENDS
Notes to Editors: 1. The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) is the leading professional body for the waste management sector representing over 6000 individuals in the UK and overseas. Established in 1898, CIWM is a non profit-making organisation, dedicated to the promotion of professional competence amongst waste managers. CIWM seeks to raise standards for those working in and with the sector by producing best practice guidance, developing educational and training initiatives, and providing information on key waste-related issues. Comprehensive information about CIWM can be found a www.ciwm.co.uk Press contacts: Pat Jennings Tel: 01604 620426 Mob: 07912 228260 E-mail: pat.jennings@ciwm.co.uk