^{Date:              23 June 2008
Embargo:       None}

SESA response to SEPA’s Corporate Plan

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has published for consultation its draft corporate plan of strategic priorities for the next three year. The plan includes goals to provide an improved customer service, deliver on the objectives of better regulation, support the Scottish Government’s climate change agenda and develop a risk based approach to waste regulation.

Commenting on the draft plan, the Scottish Environmental Services Association (SESA) said that regulation is the primary driver for the future growth of our industry and the plan should reinforce and prioritise SEPA’s primary and vital role as environmental regulator. SESA stated that by delivering effective environmental regulation SEPA will make the most significant contribution to achieving Scotland’s compliance with domestic and EU legislation.

SESA argued that a modern regulatory approach, based on risk based regulation, would allow SEPA to deliver efficiency saving targets, but such efficiencies should be shared with operators.

SESA acknowledged a legitimate role for SEPA to advise the Scottish Government but, with responsibility for defining waste and resource policy lying with the Scottish Government, noted that SEPA should instead focus on its primary regulatory remit. SESA said that the final plan should also include clearer provision for SEPA’s responsibility for human health, and that this is essential for public confidence and for effective consultation between statutory consultees in the planning and permitting process.

ENDS