Waste charges to undergo Scrutiny review

Wednesday 26 April 2017

Controversial waste charges which business have warned could cost jobs and derail tourism will be reviewed by Scrutiny, it has been announced today.

The Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel have officially started their review into the proposed solid and liquid waste disposal charges for businesses, which were approved in the States’ Medium Term Financial Plan in September last year.

While the Department for Infrastructure say that the charges could generate £11.35m by 2019, the Scrutiny Panel first want to review the impact the charge could have on non-householders and members of the public – details of which were not available at the time of the MTFP debate.

The Panel say their key aims include whether the proposed charges are “reasonable and fair”, the adequacy of current waste management facilities and what impact the charges could have on environmental behaviours and fly-tipping, which costs the States thousands to handle each year.

Chairman of the Panel Deputy David Johnson commented: “We understand that the States Assembly has already given an in-principle approval of the new ‘user pays’ proposals for non-household solid and liquid waste charges. However, the Panel needs to ensure that the Minister’s proposals and the details behind the charges are appropriate and fair. We would like to hear from anyone who feels they can contribute to our review.”

The Panel will now be contacting key stakeholders, including Minister for Infrastructure Deputy Eddie Noel, to gather information to assist with their review.