WHITEHALL

DCN: Defra waste plans are hindering delivery

Uncertainty over the future of waste collection is hindering delivery, a leading district councillor has claimed.

Uncertainty over the future of waste collection is hindering delivery, a leading district councillor has claimed.

Writing in The MJ, District Councils' Network chairman Sam Chapman-Allen said delays to waste reforms have left councils unable take decisions on how to run their services.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' (DEFRA) plans – for which councils have already waited two years – were expected before the local elections, but now face further delays.

According to local government sources, the Government's plans for seven separate collections for waste and recycling have been wrestled down to six, but DEFRA is still determined to introduce central diktat over waste services.

Cllr Chapman-Allen said: ‘I urge the Government to respect local leaders and give us the freedom to build the system that works best for our residents and local environment.'

Editor Heather Jameson says there is often a political divide between the two main parties, but they both come together when it comes to central, top-down control.

WHITEHALL

With opportunity comes great responsibility

By Laura Murphy | 27 June 2025

Laura Murphy and Andrew Stilwell look at the importance of strong, collaborative leadership as organisations navigate through this new era of digital transfo...

WHITEHALL

Re-wiring the state

By Ann McGauran | 27 June 2025

Sheffield’s network of Family Hubs are playing a crucial role in testing key aspects of the Government’s public service reform agenda. Ann McGauran reports.

WHITEHALL

Forging the future

By Martin Ford | 25 June 2025

With the sector in crisis and the need for radical change, fundamental questions are being asked about what local government is for. Martin Ford reports.

WHITEHALL

Now for the fair funding fireworks

By Michael Burton | 25 June 2025

The Government has finally grasped the nettle of fair funding by producing a controversial draft set of plans which among other changes will benefit deprived...

Heather Jameson

Popular articles by Heather Jameson