Waste disposal authorities that fail to meet their Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme obligations will definitely face fines.
That was the warning from Environment minister Ben Bradshaw last week, and local authorities have taken the minister's comments as a clear statement reinforcing the LATS system.
Although Mr Bradshaw informed an audience in London that local authorities missing their landfill diversion targets would be given every opportunity to avoid being fined, he added that good performers would not be punished by letting off failing councils.
He said: "Let me stress that the government is serious about LATS and we will impose penalties on authorities that fail to meet their obligations, otherwise it is unfair on good performers."
Under the Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme, local authorities with disposal responsibilities can extend their yearly limits on landfilling biodegradable waste by purchasing surplus allowances from other authorities.
Those that do not have sufficient allowances to cover their allowances at the end of a financial year will have six months to balance their books. If they still do not have enough landfill allowances, they will be fined £150 for every tonne over their allowance total.
During his speech, Mr Bradshaw said that a wider review of local authority waste funding was being carried out by Defra and the Treasury prior to the government's next spending review.
And he also called for local authorities to share ideas on waste funding, particularly concerning new charging systems for household waste.
He said: "I would encourage you to develop and share your ideas as to how government can better equip local government to deal with waste. I am particularly interested in your views as to the potential impact of allowing household charging schemes.
"This is an issue we could examine further in the light of evidence from overseas and the recommendations of the Lyons Inquiry," the minister added.
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