Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Deferred
Waste tracking data is currently collected in multiple systems: some paper-based and some digital, some...
Recommendation
Waste tracking data is currently collected in multiple systems: some paper-based and some digital, some operated by private contractors and some by the government; not all information is collated centrally.34 Since the 2018 Resources and Waste Strategy, the government has intended to collect more comprehensive tracking data in a single, central electronic system: digital waste tracking.35 The plans currently under consultation are to cover the 200 million tonnes of waste produced each year across the UK, and to capture 10 pieces of information (such as the waste classification, waste movements and waste treatment) from the point of production to the end of its life.36 Digital waste tracking underpins the Agency’s and Defra’s plans to measure progress against the overarching goal of eradicating waste crime.37 Defra also told us that digital waste tracking is part of strengthening the regulatory system for waste and will make a big difference.38 The Environment Agency said that data from digital waste tracking will enable waste crime to be identified, and allow the Agency and its partners to target their resources much more effectively to tackle or even prevent that waste crime.39
Government Response Summary
The government agrees and anticipates the IT contract will be let by the end of 2022. The department will write to inform the Committee when this has happened and will provide a timeframe for full implementation once the supplier is onboarded and a plan is agreed.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
7. PAC conclusion: The digital waste tracking system is still in development after four years despite its implementation being core to combatting waste crime. 7. PAC recommendation: Defra should write to the committee when the IT contract is let to confirm that it has happened and what the plan is for full implementation. 7.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation Target implementation date: Winter 2022-23 7.2 The procurement of the build partner for the IT service is in its final stages so it is anticipated that the contract will be let by the end of 2022. The department will write to inform the Committee when this has happened. 7.3 It will take some time to onboard the supplier and agree the plan for full implementation with them. The department will provide a timeframe for this when it has written to confirm that the contract has been let.