Waste not want not - States Assembly

8.28 In summary, the main features of the
structure are:
For improved strategy and policy:
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a strengthened role for DEFRA
For improved delivery on the ground:
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an operational taskforce that helps local
authorities to improve the effectiveness of
their waste management and meet targets;
an extended role for WRAP in waste
minimisation, recycling and education and
awareness;
a new government-industry forum;
an expanded role for Envirowise;
incentives for local authorities to work
together; and
improving the planning process for waste
facilities.
For improved performance:
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a Steering Group reporting to the Secretary
of State for DEFRA; and
performance measures for local authorities.
Improved strategy and policy
8.29 DEFRA will need to be strengthened if it is
to put more effort into policy dissemination,
dialogue and delivery. The key responsibilities of
DEFRA should be:
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policy-making on all waste issues;
responsibility for negotiations in EU;
8.30 In order to do this effectively, the waste
function in DEFRA should have a dedicated policy
unit, supported by a greater level of legal advice,
a waste delivery unit and a team of technical
experts. DEFRA should ensure that resources are
fully available to support this function.
8.31 This should help to achieve:
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a more proactive approach to waste at the
centre of government;
more effective management of waste funds;
and
more timely implementation of directives.
Recommendation 26:
There should be a strengthening of waste
policy-making, strategic planning, technical,
legal and other services available to DEFRA.
DEFRA should carry out a review to assess
the scale of the resources required.
8.32 Responsibility for responding to some EU
waste directives is split between DTI and DEFRA,
as both Departments have major interests.
However, stakeholders outside government are
sometimes confused about who leads and the
respective roles of DEFRA, DTI and the EA in
disseminating and interpreting waste policy.
Recommendation 27:
A review should be undertaken to assess the
merits of focusing all waste policy in one
Department.
Improved delivery on the
ground
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foresight planning, specifically on upcoming
waste issues and the direction of EU waste
policy;
dissemination of policy to stakeholders; and
co-ordination of research into health effects
of waste management options.
A delivery task force
8.33 There is wide variation in the skills of local
authorities and their progress in developing
waste plans. 136,137 If additional resources are to
be directed to waste, well-developed waste
plans that meet local needs and national targets
136
BIFFA, Future Perfect, (2002) and the Audit Commission, Waste Management Guidance for Improving Services (July 2001)
137
The Audit Commission, Waste Management Guidance for Improving Services (July 2001)
FUNDING AND DELIVERY
107