LARAC welcome the news that the majority of UK local authorities are set to receive their indicative Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) payments today (28 Nov 2024), marking a significant milestone in implementing upcoming policy changes under the Collection and Packaging Reforms (CPR).
DEFRA’s communications will include:
- Indicative payment figures, split by collection, disposal, and unitary authorities.
- Detailed explanations of how payment calculations were made.
- An outline of the proposed performance effectiveness metrics, which will apply from Year 2.
- Clarification of the initial position on recycling credits.
While this is an essential step in ensuring local authorities can begin preparing for key service changes, LARAC emphasises the importance of maintaining momentum and addressing remaining uncertainties.
LARAC’s View on the Next Steps
Communication Gaps for Northern Ireland
It is disappointing that Northern Irish local authorities are not included within this initial notification of indicative payments due to internal governance delays. LARAC strongly urges DEFRA and DAERA to collaborate and ensure this information is shared as soon as possible, alongside the outcomes of the “Rethinking Our Resources” consultation held earlier this year.
Need for Confirmed EPR Fees
LARAC encourages the UK Government to expedite the communication of finalised EPR fees and outline any potential adjustments. Certainty on this front is critical for local authorities to commit to necessary service change investments confidently.
Cathy Cook, Chair of LARAC:
“It is excellent news that payment details are being communicated today (28 Nov 2024). While this information is welcome, local authorities now need time to understand whether the estimated figures will cover the expected costs of managing this material under the new reforms.
“LARAC also calls on DEFRA to provide information to Northern Irish authorities on their indicative EPR fees so they can move forward with planning. Local authorities are also responsible for ensuring their data submissions to platforms like Waste Data Flow and the WRAP LA Portal are up to date. Accurate data will enable the government to ensure the fairness and accuracy of payments across the sector. This is just the beginning. While these indicative payments represent the first tangible step, the hard work of implementing the reforms starts now.”
Following a meeting with DEFRA’s pEPR team, further details were shared with LARAC:
- Indicative Payment Timeline: Local authorities will receive formal notifications in April 2025, with final notifications issued in October 2025. Payments will be made in three stages: 50% in October 2025, 25% in January 2026, and 25% in March 2026.
- Feedback Mechanism: DEFRA is requesting feedback on indicative payments via a survey included with the letters, with submissions due in January 2025. A formal appeals process will follow once the Scheme Administrator (SA) is operational.
- Webinar for Local Authorities: DEFRA will host a webinar in December to provide further clarification on payment details and the methodology used.
Looking Ahead
LARAC will continue to advocate for members, ensuring that local authorities’ concerns are heard and addressed throughout the rollout.
For further information please contact Toni McNamara, Executive Director, on 01982 382 650 / admin@larac.org.uk.
Twitter: @LARACspeaks
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/larac/
