Press Release
For immediate release
CIWM responds to UK Government's General Election announcement
Irrespective of the outcome of the election, CIWM believes that the incoming government has a golden opportunity to fast-track the UK's net zero ambitions by prioritising policies that support the creation of a more resource efficient and circular economy.
Improved collaboration between government departments, sector bodies and businesses has the potential to create green jobs, enhance skills, and boost social mobility, all while cutting waste and emissions. Embracing sustainable innovation will not only drive economic growth but also position the UK as a global leader in the fight against climate change.
To achieve this, we strongly urge the incoming government to prioritise four key areas:
1. Increased focus and prioritisation of resource efficiency across government. Delivering on the recommendations of the Skidmore review, focusing specifically on six key outcomes.*
2. Improved collaboration between government, business and investors to accelerate the rate of infrastructure delivery needed to achieve demonstrable circularity in resources.
3. Aligning of fiscal policy with resource efficiency and circular economy principles to ensure designers and manufacturers are economically influenced to consider material reuse.
4. Continue the work of the Green Jobs Delivery Group specifically for Green Skills and to adopt the recommendations of the Skills Commissions Skills 2030 report, with a particular focus on using the full Apprenticeship Levy, diversifying its use across a broader range of training and qualifications, and increasing access to lifelong learning through high-quality funded provision that meets the needs of employers.
CIWM and its network of 7,000 skilled professionals is poised and ready to support government in delivering the science, technology, data and strategies needed to effectively deliver this transition and further our progress to a world beyond waste.
*
a. Long-term policy certainty, enabling reliable investment conditions.
b. Increased focus in DESNZ on materials and the circular economy.
c. Planning, environmental permitting and grid access processes should be streamlined.
d. Foster and attract investment in CCUS.
e. Swifter and more ambitious policy and its delivery on all aspects of the resources & waste strategy.
f. Greater support for SMEs to reach Net Zero.
ENDS
About CIWM:
CIWM (the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management) is the leading professional body for the resource and waste management sector representing over 6,600 individuals in the UK, Ireland and overseas. Established in 1898 - and now in its 125th year - 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.
More information can be found at www.ciwm.co.uk
Press contact:
Austen Lees
T: 01923 608 360
M: 07773 813 210
E: austen@siriuscomms.co.uk