§ 31. Mr. BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what impact the aggregates tax will have on the work of her Department. [20587]
§ Mr. MeacherThe main impact of the tax on DEFRA's work is in creating an aggregates levy sustainability fund. We have recently consulted on how the scheme might work and we are now considering responses to the consultation. We expect the fund to
Minimise the demand for primary aggregates;Promote environmentally friendly extraction and transport; andReduce the local effects of aggregates extractionThe range of activities the Fund proposes to support is broad. It includes promoting conservation and increased biodiversity, restoring natural landscapes and local community projects.