Source · National Audit Office
Investigation into government’s actions to combat waste crime in England
Published: 27 Apr 2022
Recommendations: 5
Type: Value for Money
NAO confirmed: 5
Department: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
This investigation assesses government’s oversight of the waste industry and what action is taken to address illegal activity.
Recommendations
| Rec | Recommendation | Addressee | Acceptance | Implementation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
We have identified areas where Defra and the Agency, working with HMRC and others, could make further progress: Improve data on waste crime and strengthen understanding of the resources being used to tackle it, so that resources can be targeted more effectively
Ref Page 12, paragraph 25, 1st bullet
· Implemented Q3 2024-25
|
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Environment Agency | Accepted | Implemented ✓ NAO |
| 2 |
Better understand the relationship between landfill tax rates and the incentives to commit waste crime.
Ref Page 12, paragraph 25, 2nd bullet
· Implemented Q4 2025-26
|
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Environment Agency | Accepted | In progress ✓ NAO |
| 3 |
Put progress indicators in place for the waste crime elements of the Waste and Resources Strategy as soon as possible.
Ref Page 12, paragraph 25, 3rd bullet
· Implemented Q4 2025-26
|
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Environment Agency | Accepted | In progress ✓ NAO |
| 4 |
Make use of data from police databases and systems to enhance intelligence gathering and improve collaboration with partners.
Ref Page 12, paragraph 25, 4th bullet
· Implemented Q1 2022-23
|
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Environment Agency | Accepted | Implemented ✓ NAO |
| 5 |
Establish a more stable footing for the Joint Unit for Waste Crime?s funding.
Ref Page 12, paragraph 25, 5th bullet
· Implemented Q1 2022-23
|
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Environment Agency | Accepted | Implemented ✓ NAO |