Lib Dems calls for overhaul of waste taxes

17th May 2017 | Recycling

The Liberal Democrats’ manifesto has set out a number of resource policy pledges, including on waste taxes and collection targets. This makes it the only UK party so far to focus on waste taxes and recycling ahead of the General Election.

In its manifesto the Lib Dems said it would set out a “coherent tax and regulatory framework”. This repeats a number of pledges made previously. And it would include reinstalling the landfill tax escalator and consulting on tax on incineration.

The party also said it would “establish a Cabinet Committee on Sustainability, chaired by a cabinet minister. The manifesto set out plans to set up an Office for Environmental Responsibility “to scrutinise the Government’s efforts to meet its environmental targets”.  And they reiterated the party’s commitment to move towards a circular economy.

The party’s 2015 manifesto pledged to establish a statutory 70% recycling target in England and extend separate food waste collections to at least 90% of homes.  The Lib Dems now also want to introduce a 5p charge on disposable coffee cups.

The proposal for a Zero Waste Act, including legally binding targets for reducing net consumption, is also repeated from the previous manifesto.

Lib Dem election pledges

  • Pass a Zero Waste Act – this would include legally binding targets for reducing net consumption of key natural resources.  It would also introduce incentives for businesses to improve resource efficiency.
  • Benefit consumers by promoting better product design to improve reparability, reuse and recycling.
  • Establish a statutory waste recycling target of 70% in England and extend separate food waste collections to at least 90% of homes by 2022.
  • Building on the success of the plastic bag charge, introduce a 5p charge on disposable coffee cups to reduce waste.
  • Establish a coherent tax and regulatory framework for landfill, incineration and waste collection.  This would include reinstating the landfill tax escalator, extending it to the lower rate and consulting on the introduction of an incineration tax.
  • Work with local government to ensure these commitments are fully funded.

More information available on the website below

https://www.mrw.co.uk/latest/lib-dems-call-for-overhaul-of-waste-taxes/10019982.article

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