Phil Woolas discusses landfill tax and renewable energy

This week, Phil Woolas, the Climate Change minister answered the public’s questions about his job and the environment.

Citizens asked Mr. Woolas about the state of disrepair they noticed at many recycling centers. He explained that local authorities are responsible for recycling centres and vary in their ability to maintain the facilities.

Mr. Woolas addressed the hot topic of landfill taxes. The issue has been hotly debated lately as many local councils are pressing to have the money collected by the government returned to local councils for use in developing recycling facilities.

“The Landfill Tax Credit Scheme does give grants to environment improvements in areas immediately around landfill sites,” Mr. Woolas said. “The general tax revenue is treated in the same way as all tax and contributes to the general fund. Ring fencing of tax raised ultimately leads to chaos in the public finance.”

Mr. Woolas highlighted the work of the government in developing renewable energy sources. He said the intense public discussion around the development of wind farms is solid evidence of the fact.

“A new push will come soon,” he said. “We are part of an EU agreement to increase energy from renewable by 2020 and our initial contribution will be 15 per cent. The Government will publish its strategy in June.