Eventful Scotland

SESA attended the Eventful Scotland conference and delivered a presentation on the industry’s perspective on the government’s implementation of the National Waste Plan. SESA acknowledged the effort in having the basics of a framework in place but noted the importance of reviewing the National Waste Plan to reflect the chancing pace, and advances made in European waste policy.

Whilst SESA welcomed recent investment by the Scottish Executive in the provision of waste management services and infrastructure through the Strategic Waste Fund, SESA called for an overall increase in the level of local authority funding.  The industry anticipated a role in the delivery of SWF infrastructure but called for greater flexibility in PFI contracts and a greater understanding of the risks that the private sector was able to bear.

Regulation was a strong focus of the presentation and SESA called for greater clarity of guidance from government and for SEPA’s enforcement to be applied rigorously and consistently to ensure a level playing field for all operators.  SESA emphasised the need for risk based enforcement which should target resources on those activities which cause greatest harm to the environment. 

SESA called upon the Scottish Executive to recognise that the review of the planning system was crucial- and perhaps final-opportunity to ensure Scotland’s compliance with the National Waste Plan and European Waste Directives.  The planning system was highlighted as a current barrier to delivering vital waste management infrastructure. 

Presentation

 October 2006