It only feels like 5 minutes since I wrote my last blog, partly because of 10 days abroad on annual leave, and because things have been ominously quiet on the policy front as we await various answers and updates.
Whilst I won’t pretend it wasn’t a jolly, my trip to Cyprus provided an eye-opening perspective on the direction of the environment and the world in general. Firstly, it would be remiss not to acknowledge the border dispute on the island itself, and the conflict in the Middle East which was visible immediately over the horizon. We are very fortunate in the UK that our challenges are largely within our gift to control and with less immediate consequence.
Also, Cyprus could be something of a poster child for the impact of climate change in Europe. “0% chance of rain in the next 10 days” may sound like paradise, but when there are frequent forest fires and alarmingly low drinking water reservoirs, it creates some very serious life-or-death challenges for those living and working there.
It also provided visible context to just how much unavoidable waste is generated in parts of the world that rely on bottled water either because the tap water is unsafe, or because of a lack of available water. Another reminder of the fortunate position we find ourselves in, in the UK.
Back to the day job at home, the policy landscape appears largely unchanged from last month.
We are still awaiting the government response to the consultations on the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and Rethinking our Resources in Northern Ireland. Also, clarity on the outcome of the summer Spending Review, transparency around who is on the UK DMO for the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) and the Welsh position, details on the role of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) PRO and position around New Burdens funding for various elements of these policies.
Back at LARAC, I had the pleasure of joining a panel discussion at the Biffa Waste Net Zero event to discuss the various challenges.
We’ve also continued to engage with the different material representative groups, including for plastics, aluminium and organics. Our monthly catchups with the Environment Agency (EA) and DEFRA have taken place, along with engagement with devolved bodies such as Welsh Government, Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS) and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful. Members can find the meeting reports from these, here. Further calls with the likes of Scottish Government are planned over the coming weeks.
We have also seen the Scottish Government response to the charging for single - use disposable beverage cups consultation and submitted our response to their call for evidence on changes to waste management services. Responses to the EA’s consultation on Charge Proposals for Simpler Recycling in England, and HM Treasury’s Consultation on reform of Landfill Tax in England and Northern Ireland being submitted over the coming weeks.
July starts with our quarterly LARAC Executive policy meeting, complete with an update from WRAP, followed by our Welsh Conference in Cardiff on 8 July. Also, hopefully, a flurry of policy information and updates ahead of the government’s summer break. Fingers crossed!
