HC Deb 06 April 1998 vol 310 cc9-10W
Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what incentives exist to encourage the location of new landfill sites for(a) inert waste and (b) other wastes on rural brownfield sites. [37521]

Angela Eagle

There are no specific incentives for this purpose. However, my Department encourages planning authorities to make appropriate use of previously developed land for all forms of development, including waste management.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact on the finances of local government of the increase in landfill tax; and if he will make a statement. [37523]

Angela Eagle

My Department will consider the implications of the increase in the rate of landfill tax from April 1999 as part of its discussions with the Local Government Association on the local government finance settlement.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the money raised as a result of the increase in landfill tax will be used to assist the work of environmental groups in the same way that funds currently raised from the tax are. [37552]

Angela Eagle

The same proportion—20%—of the increased revenue generated by the increase in the higher rate of tax as of April 1999 will be available for distribution to environmental bodies as is available under the current scheme. The Government will also be considering whether the environmental bodies scheme could be enhanced, and in particular examining how it could be used to encourage more recycling.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of the recent landfill tax increase on the incidence of fly-tipping within the countryside; what steps he is taking to help councils minimise this; and if he will make a statement. [37522]

Angela Eagle

There is as yet little firm evidence either way of the impact of the landfill tax on fly-tipping. Responses to a recent survey of local government officials from the Tidy Britain Group seem to suggest that the incidence of fly-tipping has been lower than local authorities feared when the tax was introduced. We will continue to work with the Environment Agency, local authorities and the police, to monitor and tackle fly-tipping.