LAWR

July 2015 Local Authority Waste & Recycling 7 NEWS ANALYSIS In next month's issue favouring 'ambitious' and those looking for 'realistic'. One thing is for sure: the new and returning ministers are expected to pick up were the coalition left off and avoid targets wherever possible. Defra has also lost a minister in the reshuffle, with Lord de Mauley departing. At the time of writing, his replacement had not been announced and there's a chance the department could end up sharing a peer. It's also unclear who is taking on the resource and recycling brief. To its credit, the sector has wasted no time in calling on the new ministers that are in place to embrace the opportunities offered by a circular economy. Daunting prospect "With new and reappointed ministers and secretaries of state in Defra, DCLG and BIS, we hope that they will respond to the calls from our industry with renewed vigour and listen to our plea for a clear and ambitious strategy for resources and the circular economy," said Resource Association chief executive Ray Georgeson at the organisation's recent AGM. "The opportunities are there, the prizes are great and we stand ready to respond with energy and investment to deliver much more ambitious resources and circular economy strategies if the government is brave enough to lead the way," he added. The Queen's Speech last month did little to inspire confidence, however. A story on edie.net noted how one mention of the environment – the UK government "will seek effective global collaboration to sustain economic recovery and to combat climate change , including at the climate change conference in Paris later this year" – had "disappointed" those involved in sustainability. With a Conservative majority there was always a risk that environmental issues would take a back seat. But concerns have intensified given that the election result also triggered an in-out referendum on EU membership. Waste company FCC Environment isn't alone when it refers to a so-called 'Brexit' as a "daunting prospect". In a recent analysis it noted that: "A complete exit would likely destabilise the waste industry and create a period of policy uncertainty, which would have significant implications for infrastructure investment. With less new facilities coming on-stream, recycling rates could stagnate and even go backwards. Local authority waste budgets could be slashed further, impacting on recycling collections, gate fees and communication campaigns." A daunting prospect indeed: the UK could be cast aside as the rest of Europe embraces life under a new circular economy package. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have put in place ambitious policies, but where would this leave England? Would investment in waste and resources flood back across the Channel and into Europe? Trying to answer these questions will have strategists and industry commentators going round in circles for some time to come. However, the European-owned waste firms would undoubtedly review their UK strategies. The referendum could take place as early as next year, by which time the new circular economy package should be agreed. That means another 12 months of uncertainty; another 12 months in which investment could head elsewhere; and another 12 months towards the 2020 recycling targets. Let's not forget that the polls – which naturally must be taken with a larger pinch of salt than before 7 May, 2015 – currently suggest stronger than ever support for staying in the EU. YouGov's latest survey showed a 12-point lead for 'in', the largest recorded since the question was first posed almost five years ago. At 33%, the level of support for leaving is also "the lowest ever recorded". If the nation votes in this way, the 2020 targets will have to be hit and the UK will want a circular economy package that delivers for the country's resources sector and the wider economy. For this reason, the sector will have to pull together, regardless of what is happening in the wings. Launching its new manifesto last month, Resources & Waste UK – a partnership between CIWM and the ESA – highlighted that the sector's expertise is at the government's disposal as it seeks "proactive engagement" in policy- making at a European level. "The circular economy consultation is the start of a new policy framework that will hopefully drive progress towards a more resource efficient future," said chief executive Steve Lee. "Regardless of the Brexit debate, it is essential that the new UK government develops and articulates a coherent and positive response that reflects the opinion of all four UK countries." Blank sheet. The European Commission has gone back to the drawing board for its new circular economy package. The aim is to focus on much more than waste, including product design and reuse. In August, LAWR will be previewing some of what's on at this year's RWM, including what to expect from speakers in the 'circular economy connect' theatre. Budget constraints will undoubtedly be a focus in the local authority theatre. There will also be an RCV focus next month, whilst Iain Gulland, head of Zero Waste Scotland, will explain why he thinks the waste sector needs a regulator like Ofgem.

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