Councils could be asked to become a dumping ground for nuclear waste in exchange for ‘community benefits packages'. A government White Paper is expected to outline plans to ask local authorities to volunteer potential sites for a nuclear waste repository. In return, the communities could receive government investment in jobs, road improvement and health screening. In a consultation document published last November, it was suggested there was support for a voluntary or partnership approach to choosing sites for deep underground vaults to store the waste. But there would be need for consideration to engagement and community benefits packages. Copeland BC has already made it clear it is open to formal discussions with the Government over a possible site in its area. A council spokesman said: ‘We have said we would discuss the issue with the Government but we haven't said we would formally accept it. ‘Any area preparing to accept this sort of site would expect a community package. ‘We have been very open to discussions because Sellafield (nuclear plant) is based here, so we have to be proactive about it.'