Waste & resource management sector sets out its policy priorities for the next Government

The UK’s most influential representative bodies for the resource and waste management sector have written to the main political parties in England summarising the key policy proposals that they would like to see implemented after the May 2015 general election.

A joint statement from the six bodies that make up the Trade Association Group (TAG) – ADBA, CIWM, ESA, ICE, REA and Resource Association – makes the following points:

The resource management industry makes a substantial contribution to the British economy. According to UKTI, the value of goods and services produced by the sector is over £12 billion a year, and it employs over 150,000 people. The industry is expected to continue to expand, with the Treasury forecasting growth of over 3% for waste management and 4% in recovery and recycling.

As well as providing jobs and economic growth across the country, the industry supplies important raw materials for manufacturers in the UK and beyond, and helps to protect local communities from environmental blight.

For the resource management industry to maximise the economic, social, and environmental benefits it can deliver for Britain, it needs to work in partnership with central and local government, and with regulators.   A supportive policy framework is essential if the industry is to invest in the new facilities needed to improve the efficient use of resources in the UK economy.

The proposals put forward for consideration are:

1. Establish an Office for Resource Management, headed by a Minister, to lead and co-ordinate government policy on resource efficiency and waste prevention across departments.
2. Expand the market for reused and recycled products and materials by reforming government procurement rules, putting appropriate economic incentives in place, and placing a sustained emphasis on public communication and engagement.
3. Stimulate private investment in new waste treatment, recycling and reprocessing facilities by setting long term policy goals and targets – along the lines recently proposed by the EU – working with industry and stakeholders to develop methods to achieve them.
4. Protect local communities, safeguard the environment, and reduce tax evasion by ensuring that enforcement bodies and local authorities are properly resourced to combat waste crime.

The TAG will continue to work collaboratively in the New Year to reinforce the important role this industry can play in securing sustainable, long-term, economic growth.

A copy of the joint letter is published here: http://staging.adbioresources.org/docs/TAG_manifesto_letter_FINAL.pdf