A controversial new incinerator in Suffolk came a step closer this week when county councillors agreed to seek private finance initiative funding from the Government.
Government approval for the £102M worth of credits is expected at the end of the month and, if given, tenders will be invited for a waste treatment facility. At the end of last year, Suffolk indicated it favoured an incinerator option for the facility. But speaking after this week’s meeting, Cllr Eddie Alcock, portfolio holder for environment and waste, said the council was prepared to be open minded on what solution they opt for. ‘I have agreed with the council’s senior managers that we will make sure our criteria places great importance on ensuring that health and environment standards are paramount and we have good design and architectural standards,’ he said. The PFI scheme will cost the council a total of £612M throughout the life of the plant, but the council could face fines of £800M if landfill targets aren’t met. However, Green Party district councillor for Mid-Suffolk, John Matthisse, slammed the move. ‘An incinerator is the least environmentally friendly option due to the amount of CO2 emissions created when burning the rubbish. We support a mechanical biodegradable treatment plant,’ he said. ‘PFI credits are not a government subsidy. It means the council tax payer is paying a lot of money to a private company. We would rather see the council take a long term loan.’
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