Resource Association supports principles behind Sweating Our Assets report

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The 2020C Productivity and Efficiency Commission’s Sweating our Assets report has been backed by the Resource Association.

In the report, that was produced by Conservative MPs and led by Thanet South MP Laura Sandys, there was a strong emphasis on ensuring the UK’s economy becomes one based on making best use of its resources.

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Resource Association chairman Andy Doran participated in giving evidence to the commission.

He said: “I welcome the report’s strong focus on the role of reprocessing and remanufacturing as engines of growth in the emerging resources-based circular economy and congratulate Laura Sandys MP and colleagues on placing these issues on the political centre stage.

“The emphasis on Remade in Britain as a rallying call for a new business sector is important, alongside practical policy proposals to support industry such as extending Enhanced Capital Allowances.

“Together with the focus on profitability, they send a clear signal that industry is ready to respond to clear long term policy signals from Government. We hope that the Chancellor takes time to read this report and act.”

Resources Association chief executive Ray Georgeson added: “It is notable that the report recommends landfill bans for key materials in the interests of resource security.

“We support this in principle, but emphasise that they will only be effective if combined with the sort of industry measures proposed in the report to boost end market development and also combined with caps on key materials going to incineration. Without this, the jobs multiplier value inherent in more reuse, remanufacturing and reprocessing will be constrained.

“We also support the structural change in policy lead proposed, from Defra to BIS, as an important indicator of the future role of the resources industry. This, however, should not be a distraction from the urgent need to deliver policy improvements now that help us realise the value we waste in resources. I hope this report is a catalyst for change.”