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News Index |
Defra cuts WRAP funding
Defra has announced cuts in its funding for several environmental delivery bodies, including a 30 per cent cut in WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) funding.
The Defra Budget Settlement of £3.94bn for 2008/09 represents an increase of 1.4 per cent on its existing budget, after allowing for inflation. However, since this money is needed to cover additional spending commitments, there have been substantial cuts to existing programmes. Funding for WRAP has been reduced from £59.3 million to £43.22 million.
Chief Executive of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), Steve Lee, commented: "The substantial cuts could undermine the ambitious objectives in the Waste Strategy for England 2007, including higher recycling and composting targets for local authorities and a greater emphasis on tackling commercial and industrial waste."
He added: "We have yet to see the more detailed thinking behind the strategic budget decisions that have been made, including the impact on work that was funded through the Business Resource Efficiency & Waste (BREW) programme. However, these cuts are likely to see an end to crucial support for local authorities and business and industry at a time when that support is most needed."
