§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what meetings she has had with ministerial colleagues from other departments to ensure that the Waste Implementation Programme has a co-ordinated approach with waste-related programmes in other Departments. [154243]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Waste Implementation Programme (WIP) is putting England on the path to more sustainable waste management with measures to slow the growth in the amount of waste, investment in recycling infrastructure and support for new alternative waste management technologies. This new programme was explicitly created to provide clear responsibilities and accountabilities, and a strong focus at the centre of government to drive forward implementation in specific areas. The initial direction and implementation arrangements for WIP were overseen by a ministerial152W group answering jointly to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
Underpinning the programme are effective mechanisms for cross-government working. A Steering Committee, representing key interests engaged in waste management, has been established to drive forward the implementation of WIP workstreams. This group also provides strategic advice on the new programme, and reports direct to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Meetings are attended by representatives from several Government Departments. In addition, there are regular meetings with ODPM, DTI and HMT at official level.