Local authorities working together on waste: Consultation published
LONDON. March 17, 2008/3mnewswire.org/ -- Neighbouring local authorities, working together, could deliver better integrated and cost-effective waste services, a consultation paper published today outlines.
Any group of two or more authorities will be able to apply to the Government to voluntarily transfer waste collection, disposal, and/or street cleansing functions to a Joint Waste Authority (JWA). The consultation paper details options for how JWAs will work and asks for views on what the proposals should contain.
Climate Change and Waste Minister, Joan Ruddock, said:
"Joint working on waste is becoming increasingly important, to help authorities to invest in new, sustainable waste facilities more cost effectively. Authorities are already developing innovative ways of working with their neighbours to improve their waste services.
"Joint waste authorities can provide local authorities with an additional option for working together - one that will allow them to put their partnership on a statutory footing."
The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 included powers to allow the establishment of Joint Waste Authorities; these will be governed by elected members of their constituent authorities. Joint Waste Authorities will be voluntary and would only be created with agreement of all authorities concerned.
Government introduced the powers in response to requests from local authorities. It will be up to elected members for any particular area to decide whether they wish to establish a JWA for their area, and they will be required to consult local people about any such proposals.
3mnewswire.org
No comments:
Post a Comment