Business Asbos

The Environment Agency has suggested that businesses which pollute should be subject to anti-social behaviour orders.

 

 

Stakeholder Response: Federation of Small Businesses

 

 

Nyree Connell, FSB policy officer for environmental affairs, told ePolitix.com: "The new regulations will give local authorities additional powers to stop, search and seize vehicles suspected of being used for fly tipping and to investigate incidents.

 

"The FSB is supportive of fair enforcement that prevents illegal and unscrupulous businesses undermining legitimate firms and responsible waste management contractors.  We support the new powers in principle and believe that fly-tipping is a growing problem that needs to be addressed.

 

"However the government must do more to help businesses dispose of their waste. The key drivers leading to fly-tipping are the increased cost of disposal and the poor availability of waste disposal sites, especially for hazardous waste. 

 

"Any revenue raised by these new powers should be ploughed back into providing new waste facilities and distributing clear information to small firms about their environmental responsibilities."

 

 

Stakeholder Response: The British Retail Consortium

 

 

Kevin Hawkins, director general, said: "Yet again we see the government dumping more regulatory burden on businesses that are working hard to contribute towards a prosperous Britain.

 

"Community involvement is at the heart of what retailers do - because communities are at the heart of our customers’ lives. Environmental responsibility is central to this.

 

"The vast majority of retailers work in an environmentally sound and ethical manner, and many far exceed the minimum levels set out in the rafts of existing regulation.

 

"Bolting on criminal law to prosecute offenders is an ill-considered approach, and goes against the government’s commitment to preventing the duplication of legislation.

 

"New laws in the Cleaner Neighbourhoods and Environment Act already grant authorities new powers to arrest and fine companies dumping waste illegally up to £50,000. In addition, the Hazardous Waste Regulations allow for fixed penalty notices to be issued to those breaking these rules.

 

"There are few business sectors as important to community life as retailing with shops providing the mainstay of most town centres and rural communities. Legislation which fails to recognise that consumers are at the heart of what retailers do, is legislation that fails everyone." 

 

 

Stakeholder Response: The Forum of Private Business

 

 

FPB chief executive Nick Goulding said: "This is a serious development which the FPB views with real unease. The Environment Agency's chief executive Barbara Young asserts that 'a jail sentence...acts as a more effective deterrent than a fine that represents little more than back pocket cash'.

 

"Moreover its press release tells us it is not all good news that the average fine on firms is down hundreds of pounds. This cavalier attitude towards people's livelihoods is wrong and out of touch with this country's reputation for enterprise and fairness.

 

"A civil action involving a fine or penalty is the right punishment for these type of offences. The antagonistic relish of the Environmental Agency's statement reflects a unreasonable desire to blacken the name of business.

 

"The FPB urges the Environment Agency to rethink its approach and do all in its power to support and help small businesses in the way they treat the environment."