When the dust settled after the shock Brexit decision in June, many businesses argued that we were unlikely to see any real change for some time. There was an air of uncertainty of course, which, in itself, started to create some challenges. However, overall, a large number of people argued that much would stay the same, certainly for the time being.
But in July, Theresa May’s cabinet shuffle revealed a potentially new direction for the resource sector. The government’s Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) and the Department of Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) were effectively abolished on 14 July. And, in their place, a combined Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy was launched, headed up by MP for Tunbridge Wells and former shadow Energy Secretary, Greg Clark.
The news hit the headlines throughout our industry so, a logical question for our August poll, was: ‘Following the merger of DECC and BIS, will we finally see an integrated waste policy in the UK?’
The results were fairly mixed, with 47% saying yes, they hope a more joined up waste policy will soon emerge. There were others with less faith it seems, with 30% of respondents saying they don’t think an integrated waste policy will arise. And it was perhaps to be expected that 23% of respondents selected ‘not sure’ – they just don’t know what will happen next!
Adding his personal thoughts, UNTHA UK’s chairman Chris Oldfield said: “I would hope that the creation of a new, joined up department will fuel greater collaboration and cohesion at policy level. This could be what the industry has been looking for, for years. Real acknowledgement for our potential to boost economic and resource security is long overdue.
“Of course, only time will tell how effective this rationalisation is, but if we’re looking for the Government to offer more strategic support to the waste, recycling, resource and energy sector, this could prove crucial.”
We want your views! Our latest poll is about the metals industry – take part here: http://www.untha.co.uk/the-untha-poll/
