To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what fiscal steps he has taken to promote the circular economy and sustainable use of resources.

The £8 per tonne escalator in the standard rate of landfill tax has been extremely successful in reducing waste sent to landfill and providing certainty to the industry to invest in alternative technologies which help to ensure a more sustainable use of resources. Budget 2014 provided further certainty on the future of both the standard and lower rates by confirming that they will not be eroded by inflation in future years.

Budget 2014 also announced an additional £5 million of funding to tackle waste crime, which will assist in the Environment Agency's drive to ensure effective compliance and enforcement with waste legislation.