CIWM expresses disappointment at slim pickings in Autumn Statement

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In its response to the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, CIWM has said that it is clear that the recycling and resource industry can expect “little support from the Government”.

With the Autumn Statement not providing clarity on what will happen with Landfill Tax when the escalator comes to an end in the spring.

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CIWM chief executive Steve Lee said: “We are becoming accustomed to finding very little good news in the Chancellor’s statements and today is no exception. “Coupled with the recent ministerial letter signalling a scaling back in Defra’s work on waste and a disappointing National Infrastrcture Plan 2013, it is clear that our industry can expect little support from the Government to deliver its significant green growth and jobs potential.”

CIWM has specific concerns over the need for greater medium-term certainty on Landfill Tax and whether the Green Investment Bank will be able to provide the de-risking support the waste and resource management sector needs with austerity supposed to last until 2018/19 now.

It is also worried that more budget cuts for key green growth departments including Defra, DECC and BIS could mean policy support in important areas such as resource security, industrial strategy and local economic development, and the circular economy will be weakened.

Steve Lee added: “Lack of money doesn’t have to mean lack of ambition and leadership. But once again the green growth agenda has been largely left out in the cold by the Chancellor.

“While we didn’t expect any substantive announcements, this Statement underlines the Government’s hands-off approach to the future of this industry and a lack of regard for the role it can play in delivering a more sustainable and low carbon future.”