§ Mr. WaldenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what minimum standards will apply to ensure that the waste regulation service under the new Environment Agency will be delivered locally and to a standard not less than that achieved by the existing waste regulation authorities. [2891]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe agency will have the same statutory responsibilities as the existing authorities for regulating the management of waste so as to prevent pollution of the environment or harm to human health. The Secretary of State will issue guidance to the agency on the discharge of these functions. It is for the Environment Agency to determine its geographical structure in line with its management statement, and reflecting the need for the efficient delivery of all its services. The management statement states that the agency should develop a close, responsive relationship with local communities.
802W
National non-domestic rates—calculation of distributable amount 1993–94 1994–95 1995–96 1996–97 Final outturn £ million Provisional outturn £ million Provisional outturn £ million Estimated in-year contribution £million 1. Income from Local Lists Multiplier (p) 41.6 42.3 43.2 44.9 Gross Rate Yield 12,423 12,269 12,763 13,355 (i) Reliefs (a) Net Transitional Relief -540 -117 -460 -419 (b) Empty properties -1,224 -1,172 -1,072 -1,145 (b) Charitable -387 -4l3 -430 -478 (d) Discretionary -21 -21 -24 -28 Net Yield after reliefs 10,251 10,547 10,777 11,285 (ii) Collection Costs/Reductions to Contributions (a) Costs of collection -67 -69 -75 -77 (b) Losses on collection -181 -186 -190 -205 (c) City of London offset -25 -7 -1 -7