London - The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published a consultation paper today, on joint working in waste matters by neighbouring local authorities. Defra says that such cooperation would lead to better integrated and cost-effective waste services.
Under the proposed scheme, Joint Waste Authorities (JWAs) would be the recipients of the voluntary transfer of waste collection, disposal, and/or street cleansing functions from the neighbouring authorities. The question is how would the JWAs operate - the consultation paper provides options as well as seeking views on the proposals.
Climate Change and Waste Minister, Joan Ruddock, said:
"Joint working on waste is becoming increasingly important, to help authorities to invest in new, sustainable waste facilities more cost effectively. Authorities are already developing innovative ways of working with their neighbours to improve their waste services.
"Joint waste authorities can provide local authorities with an additional option for working together - one that will allow them to put their partnership on a statutory footing."
Powers to establish JWAs are conferred by the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007. Defra says that these bodies would be governed by elected members of their constituent authorities, though they would be voluntary and only created with the agreement of all the authorities involved – included consultation with local residents.
Savings could be substantial at around £150m nationally according to a report from the Innovation Forum – consisting of high-performing authorities.
Though formation of a JWA must have the full agreement of the local authorities involved, once established it could only be dissolved in limited circumstances according to the Department, and where all constituent authorities are in agreement unless the Secretary of State considers it necessary.
Further information
A copy of the consultation paper can be found at
http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/jwa/