Neighbouring councils are being urged to work more closely together, with joint waste authorities seen as one way of delivering cost savings. A consultation paper published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) suggests that any two or more councils should be able to apply to the Government to transfer their local waste collection, disposal and street-cleansing functions to a newly-established joint waste authority (JWA). Climate change and waste minister, Joan Ruddock, said: ‘Joint working on waste is becoming increasingly important, to help authorities invest in new, sustainable waste facilities more cost effectively. JWAs 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 includes powers to establish JWAs where there is support from councillors and after consultation with residents.
