Call for landfill tax clarity in Autumn Statement

A leading waste industry figurehead has called on the Chancellor George Osborne to make a compelling case for future landfill tax increases in his forthcoming Autumn statement this Thursday.


Paul Levett, chairman of Closed Loop Recycling’s advisory board, wants to see greater clarity on the tax in order to boost investment in the UK recycling industry.

“UK landfill tax has helped create and develop a whole new recycling industry – including our own food grade plastic recycling industry – and create thousands of green jobs,” he said.

“At Closed Loop Recycling we are advocates of annual increases in landfill tax, at least in line with RPI, as well as long term visibility of these tax rates in order that recyclers can continue to invest with greater certainty.”

In addition, Levett is repeating his call for a review of waste packaging recovery note (PRN) system, arguing that the current system disadvantages domestic players.

“A revised PRN system that rewards those packaging manufacturers, retailers or brand owners who proactively choose to use recycled plastic in their products is what is needed,” he maintained.

“Users of recycled content should be able to offset this material against their PRN obligations thus creating an economic driver to bring about the best possible environmental outcome. This could revolutionise the British recycling industry.”

Maxine Perella

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