The liberal democrats in their newly published manifesto have pledged to introduce an act that will include an overhaul of waste taxes.
Published yesterday, the party states that in its opinion, the country fails to make best use of its most efficient resources, alongside aims that will cut waste, increase recovery, and recycling.
In order to meet such demands the party said that it would “establish a Cabinet Committee on Sustainability, chaired by a cabinet minister.”
Pledges include:
- The passing of a Zero Waste Act that will include legally binding targets for reducing net consumption of key natural resources. Incentives will also be introduced for businesses to improve resource efficiency.
- Consumers will be benefitted with the promotion of better product design to improve reuse and recycling.
- A waste target of 70 per cent shall be introduced in England with separate food waste collections being extended to 90 per cent of homes by 2022.
- A 5p tax shall also be introduced on disposable coffee cups.
- The establishment of a coherent tax for landfill, incineration, and waste collection.
- A clear relationship with local governments to ensure commitments are funded.
In terms of energy the party intends to expand renewables, with the aim of generating 60 per cent of electricity by 2030, as well as restoring Government support for solar PV and onshore wind.
A low-carbon economy is said to underpin the document, much like Labour’s, but fails to mention bioenergy sources as an option.
It did however say that new nuclear power stations should “play a role” in electricity supplies, as long as, “concerns about safety, disposal of waste and cost are adequately addressed, new technology is incorporated, and there is no public subsidy for new build.”
