LAWR

NEWS ANALYSIS 'I regret to inform you...' Resource Minister Dan Rogerson's first letter to the industry caused a stir when it was published last year. Liz Gyekye assesses the sector's reaction to it. 'D isappointing' was one word that could be used to express the feelings of the waste and resource management sector when they received 'that' letter from the newly appointed Resource Minister Dan Rogerson last year, which made clear that Defra would be reducing its activity in some areas of waste from April. It was the second letter in a matter of weeks from Defra that signalled big changes. Rogerson's first contact with the industry in his new role stated that Defra had been reassessing its activities on waste management for 2014/15 to focus on the "essentials that only Government can and must do". This was to enable the Government to ensure that "limited funding is focussed on the key priorities". He also wrote that business should take more responsibility for tackling environmental challenges. For some this signalled the direction the government was heading for anyway and this was the final nail in the coffin. Rogerson's letter prompted five major industry bodies to join together, for the first time, to write a response to Defra. These bodies included: the Anaerobic Digestion & Biogas Association, The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, Environmental Services Association, Renewable Energy Association, and the Resource Association. However, they did not bash Defra but gave a diplomatic response and offered to work closely with them. They wrote how concerned they were that progress in improving 12 Local Authority Waste & Recycling January 2014 resource management had already stalled in a number of areas even before the Minster's recent announcement. They also said that the work done over the past 18 months on the MRF Code of Practice (CoP) shows what can be achieved by close co-operation. The group called for Defra to address the following key areas: waste crime, recycling, collection methods, hazardous waste, commercial and industrial waste, and waste prevention. " However, not all is bleak. Positives can be taken from the letter. " Defra's letter certainly signals a lack of centralised leadership. ESA chairman and SITA chief executive David Palmer Jones says the department's continued involvement in the waste and resources agenda is vital, especially in helping to maximising the quality of recyclates and securing investment in new circular-economy infrastructure. Rogerson also wrote that he would be reducing "generic support" to local authorities. Norfolk County Council assistant director for environment and waste Mark Allen says: "In common with all local authorities, Norfolk is working hard to find ways of delivering the best possible front line services to our residents despite an unprecedented reduction in funding. This is why we will continue to look to Defra to provide leadership and long term policy direction that will help us achieve that, for example by providing TEEP guidance on glass. We would also like to work with Defra on improving their waste modelling and predictions, as having a clear picture about the future is essential for that direction, leadership and policy setting." There is a clear fear that progress in England will falter and momentum will be lost because of Defra's 'hold fire' stance, according to RicardoAEA resource efficiency and waste management practice director Dr Adam Read. He says: "There is still much that can be achieved by working with local authorities. Recycling rates can improve but we need clarity about what can and can't be done, what is acceptable and what evidence will need to be provided. Walking away from this, and with local authorities suffering on-going budget cuts, is a recipe for disaster. So, let's open some dialogue, and plan a way ahead that satisfies Defra's needs and those of the local authorities." However, not all is bleak. Positives can be taken from the letter. Although the sector often looks to Defra for vision and leadership, the letter could prompt those working in the sector to produce more joint partnerships, more innovative thinking and effective engagement. Closed Loop Recycling's Chris Dow says that he is pleased about Defra's commitment to the Materials Recovery Facility regulations, which was mentioned in the letter. The sector has been working closely together when times have got hard and will continue to do so. And it looks like they will have to, as it may take some time before Defra steps back into waste.

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