Briefings and responses

It is helpful to see Defra’s thinking on the scope of long-term environmental targets. As a next step, Defra needs to set out clear implementation plans with interim targets.

The LGA responded to consultation from government on new powers for councils to issue fixed penalty notices to householders for failing to meet their duties in disposing of waste. This could provide a useful alternative to prosecution for “duty of care” offences.

Defra’s approach to the reforms must be robust enough to discourage the criminals, but avoid placing excessive requirements on local authorities, charities and the not-for-profit sector and responsible private waste businesses.

We are seeking assurances from Defra that the new waste tracking system will be an effective replacement for the outdated and cumbersome Waste Data Flow data entry system for councils. Waste Data Flow is not fit for purpose in supporting an accurate EPR payment system, although it will need to operate until such time as the new system is ready. This may be an opportunity to streamline data systems and reduce the burden on councils.

The LGA welcomes the opportunity to continue to contribute to the consultations on resources and waste reforms, first set out in the Government’s Resources and Waste Strategy. Here we set out an overview of the LGA’s response to the package of reforms.

The LGA welcomes the opportunity to comment on amendments to the regulation of POPs and the impact this could have on services that are highly valued by residents.

The LGA’s response sets out our views on the draft regulations that will set up the new system of producer responsibility for packaging. This will require producers and manufacturers to pay councils for the cost of dealing with used packaging in household waste and recycling.

The LGA is supportive of measures to provide greater clarity for consumers around terms used to describe the alcohol content of products, and for there to be consistency in the use of terms used to describe low alcohol products.

The LGA supports the Government’s decision to make relationship education at primary and relationship and sex education at secondary compulsory in all schools and health education compulsory in all state-funded schools, however we would like to see HE made compulsory in all schools