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Waste not want not? Waste management is a legal obligation but did you know you could be fined or even go to prison if you are found to have infringed Environment Agency regulations? Read on… A label making company had to pay a fine of £1,800 and full Environment Agency costs of £1,250 for not complying with packaging regulations. During a routine enquiry the Environment Agency discovered that the company had not been registered for two years.

The aim of the packaging regulations is to make sure businesses take responsibility for the packaging used in their operations which in turn reduces the amount of packaging produced and the amount ending up in landfill. Businesses are not obliged to physically recover and recycle the packaging themselves as there are companies that are paid to do the recycling on their behalf. Under a European directive, member states are required to recycle and recover packaging waste. Companies with an annual turnover of more than £2 million and which handle more than 50 tonnes of packaging a year have to register with the Environment Agency or join a scheme and pay a sum dependant on level of recycling activity. If you think this applies to you, act now and avoid a fine or worse. > Read More

Businesses concerned over Apprenticeships proposals

Business leaders in the North East are concerned about the ability of small businesses to deliver the Government's Apprenticeship plans. The Government has announced plans to offer every school leaver an Apprenticeship by 2013, but the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) wants businesses to have assistance in order to make the plan a success. It is worried that small businesses that do not already offer Apprenticeships will struggle to find the resources needed. It is writing to the Government about its concerns.

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Defra announces proposed changes to environmental permit exemptions

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has proposed changes to the system of environmental permit exemptions. Under current rules, certain waste management activities can be carried out without an environmental permit. Defra, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Environment Agency are reviewing which waste handling businesses can operate under the exemptions and which ones will need a permit. Defra hopes the proposed changes will cut back on red tape for businesses and save as much as £45 million over three years.

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Taxman to inform employers of tax code changes

Meanwhile, HMRC has announced it will write to employers to inform them of the tax code changes due in September. The changes are a result of the Chancellor's announcement in May that the basic personal allowance will increase from £5,435 to £6,035, and the basic rate limit will reduce from £36,000 to £34,800. The new tax codes and rate bands should be used on the first pay day on or after 7 September 2008. Employers using payroll software are advised to ask their software provider for an update before 7 September. The change in basic personal allowance means that employees should benefit by an additional £60 in September and by £10 a month thereafter, until the end of the current tax year.

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Give more contracts to third sector, local authorities urged

A report by nfpSynergy has revealed that two-thirds of councillors think third sector organisations deliver as cost-effective a service as private businesses. The think-tank concluded that councils should work more with charities and social enterprises to deliver services. According to the report results, the third sector provides an average of 14% of services, while the private sector provides over a quarter (26%). A spokesman for nfpSynergy said it was important that the low amount of services provided by the third sector should be addressed by all parties.

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Reduce red tape to boost rural areas, says MP

A Cornish MP has called for the Government to relax red tape in rural areas so that rural communities can flourish. Matthew Taylor, MP for Truro and St Austell, visited rural areas across the UK to investigate the problems they face. His proposals include a review of planning laws and a new approach by developers to deliver services such as shops, cafes, restaurants, workplaces and open spaces, alongside new housing. In his report, Mr Taylor states: "We need to better balance social and economic sustainability with environmental sustainability. For these reasons, those who want to protect the countryside need the planning system to better recognise the people and living communities within it."

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June retail sales fall at record rate

Retail sales in June fell at their fastest rate since records began in 1986, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Most sectors experienced a decline, with textiles, clothing and footwear the worst hit. The slump in sales followed a boost in May, when sales were superficially boosted by the sunny weather. The current figures show that consumers are reigning in their spending as they continue to grapple with rising food and utilities costs.

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