Circular economy is key to avoiding landfill tax rise

The National Federation of Builders (NFB) is urging all members to take the circular economy seriously because the Government’s proposed changed to the Landfill Taxation system may be industry breaking.

To move toward a circular economy, the Government’s Landfill Tax consultation seeks to remove the lower Landfill Tax rate of £4.05 and charge the standard rate, which currently sits at £126.15. This is proposed to be in place in 2030.

By 2027, it will also remove the disposal permit which quarries use to recover land, who will now need to apply for a recovery permit. A permit which isn’t always easy to get and if that continues, may put up the cost of materials because quarriers due to higher running costs.

2027 will also be the date in which lower rated for mixed waste (lower rated and a small amount of standard rated) will cease to exist and all mixed waste will be charged at the standard rate.

The Government appears dedicated to the strategy of behavioural change through taxation, and while positive conversations have been had with HM Treasury on whether 2030 is realistic, and what is required to achieve a circular economy and tackle waste crime, NFB is encouraging members to immediately start work on updating their site waste management plans.