Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the timing of the response to the consultation entitled Consistency in Household and Business Recycling in England, published on 7 May 2021; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the proposals within that consultation on carbon emissions.

The Domestic and Economic Affairs (Energy, Climate and Net Zero) Cabinet Committee and supporting governance structures provide forums to discuss how different sectors, including waste, contribute to our carbon budgets. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero is the deputy chair of this Committee, which my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs attends.

The Carbon Budgets Delivery Plan sets out expected emissions savings, including from Defra’s commitment to explore policies to achieve the near elimination of biodegradable municipal waste to landfill from 2028, including consistent collections of recycling. Government’s response to the consultation on this will be published shortly.