Part of Finance Bill – in a Public Bill Committee at 3:45 pm on 10 May 2007.
I can see advantages in having greater strategic control, not only of waste issues, but on other levels. One reason why we support Cornwall’s bid for unitary status is that it would give the authority greater strategic control over the whole of Cornwall. Unfortunately, Cornwall county council has been locked into having an incinerator, which means that it is difficult to encourage more recycling. Having a strong voice throughout the county may allow the authority the time to explore other alternatives and to press the case for them. Energy from waste is the only option that Cornwall has been given so far, which means that the county will still suffer, although the decision has been taken and the council is doing all that it can to divert from landfill, as the incinerator will not be built for a few years.