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Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Answer

Mr. Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many companies have benefited from assistance through the Waste Implementation Programme. [165310] Mr. Morley: Much of the direct funding and assistance available through the Waste Implementation Programme (WIP) is directed at local authorities to help with the challenges of long-term progress in sustainable waste management, sufficient to meet the Article 5 targets of the EU Landfill Directive. It has been estimated that the additional investment needed from local authorities to meet these targets could be as high as £600-£700 million per annum over the next 10 years. This would largely be spent through contracts with the private sector. Waste Private Finance Initiative (PFI) is a key part of this approach, and has been managed through WIP since 2003. Nine major waste PFI contracts have been let to private companies, and nine more local authorities have either had their proposals approved, or are in the process of applying for PFI credits. In addition, WIP is seeking to provide improved data and research to industry, and to encourage local authorities to work more effectively with waste companies. And a major programme of new technology pilots for more innovative waste management practices is being taken forward in partnership with industry and local authorities.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

420 c1029-30W; 165310

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Contracts Expenditure Local government Private finance initiative Standards Waste management Waste Implementation Programme

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk