LGA responds to Gove speech on the Environment

Responding to today’s keynote speech by Environment Secretary Michael Gove, Cllr Martin Tett, Environment spokesman for the Local Government Association, said:

“We support the Government’s ambition for the environment and councils continue to play their part by tackling green issues, such as pollution, and declaring climate emergencies.

“Manufacturers need to up their game now and heed the public’s call to action by using packaging that is fully and easily recyclable, and pay the full cost of recycling packaging.

“Councils are doing all they can to improve recycling rates, but further improvement on current levels needs significant extra funding so councils can cover new materials proposed in the Government’s waste strategy.

“As any deposit return scheme will affect kerbside collections, we support an effective scheme that is fair for councils, consumers and industry.

“Ultimately, if councils are to improve recycling rates, the new Prime Minister needs to use the Spending Review to address the £8 billion funding gap councils in England face by 2025.”