Implications of the Waste Strategy for Local Authorities inquiry

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) published its Resources and Waste Strategy for England on 18 December 2018. The Strategy sets out how the country will preserve material resources by minimising waste, promoting resource efficiency and moving towards a circular economy. Several aspects of the Government’s waste strategy concern functions for which local authorities are responsible. The Committee has undertaken a short inquiry, and invites written submissions on the basis of the following Terms of Reference: What the financial implications are for local authorities of the Government’s Waste Strategy. What the likely effects will be on the recycling rates of local authorities. How provisions in the strategy may affect existing contracts for waste collection and disposal. Should waste services be standardised across England or should there continue to be flexibilities for local authorities. What the opportunities are for closer joint-working between authorities, particularly in two-tier areas.