Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Holbeach (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 March 2009.

Waste Management

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether paragraph 12 of Schedule 2 to the Joint Waste Authorities (Proposals) Regulations 2009 (SI 2009/105) implies that no proposal will be accepted that does not benefit the environment; and, if so, who will ensure that that is the case.

Answer: Joint waste authorities will be employing organisations. Where services or roles and duties transfer from the current provider to a new provider, either during the creation of a joint waste authority or following contracting/re-tendering exercises post-vesting, then the staff working in these areas are likely to transfer to the joint waste authority. Accordingly, the TUPE Regulations 2006 and the Cabinet Office Statement of Practice on Staff Transfers in the Civil Service 2000 (COSOP) are likely to apply. Further detail is available in the statutory guidance which accompanies the Joint Waste Authorities (Proposals) Regulations, available on Defra's website. Proposals for a joint waste authority will be considered on their own merits and according to the requirements of the regulations and statutory guidance. Assessment will take into account the estimated level of service and performance improvements, efficiency and environmental benefits the Joint Waste Authority will deliver. A ‘low' score against any one criterion will not necessarily lead to rejection, but would be expected to be compensated by a ‘high' score elsewhere.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1696; 708 c241-2WA
Session: 2008-09
Subjects: Conditions of employment Cost effectiveness Environment protection Joint waste authorities
Legislation: Joint Waste Authorities (Proposals) Regulations 2009
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk