Information for local authorities
Partnership working
Joint working between local authorities is becoming increasingly important as a means of delivering quality services to residents and meeting the UK's Landfill Directive obligations at affordable cost. Some waste disposal authorities are too small to procure new waste facilities needed to divert waste from landfill on their own, and it is becoming common for authorities to work with neighbours to procure new facilities. Joint working is particularly important in two-tier areas, where responsibilities for waste collection and waste disposal are split between different authorities. As we move to new, more sustainable ways of managing waste it is becoming increasingly important to integrate collection and disposal. There is also potential to generate efficiencies.
The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, introduced new powers to allow the creation of Joint Waste Authorities (JWAs). This measure will help those authorities that wish to put joint working on waste on a statutory footing. Groups of authorities can voluntarily request creation of a JWA in order to enable stronger partnership working on waste. Government will work with authorities to determine the structure, constitution and funding of their partnerships. On 17 March, the Government launched a public consultation on draft Regulations and guidance regarding proposals for joint waste authorities.
Page last modified: 17 March 2008
Page published: 27 January 2007