Dear Supporter,

As part of our campaign to stop the incinerator coming to south Bucks we are calling on all County Councillors to overturn the Cabinet decision to go ahead with the Waste Procurement Project. Below is the first in a series of circulars that we have sent to all County Councillors and to the District Councillors of South Bucks and Chilterns. The intention is to make sure that every County Councillor has the real facts and has no excuse not to challenge the Cabinet decision.

regards

Peter Brogden

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Dear Councillor,

The County Council Cabinet are pressing ahead with their Waste Procurement Project to purchase an incinerator for disposal of Municipal Solid Waste. They intend to sign a contract by the end of this year.
In reaching their decision the Cabinet have relied on a projection for growth in MSW in the county which:-
a.       Is 4 to 5 times higher than the average actual growth rate for the last five years
b.      Results in a projected increase in waste per head of population from 560kg p.a. actual now to 710kg p.a. over the next 12 years.
c.       Is totally at odds with the national targets in the Waste Strategy for England of 500kg p.a.
The errors in the waste growth projections were explained by BRAINS to the Waste Procurement Project Manager on April 1st. Figures which, in BRAINS view, are more realistic would enable the use of cheaper and more flexible processes of waste disposal.
The Council have failed to produce any evidence in support of their growth rate figure despite repeated FOI requests.
The purchase of this incinerator will cost a minimum of £96 millions (Council figures).  Note that a 210,000 tonne p.a. incinerator under construction by Veolia at Newhaven has seen its cost rise to £145 millions.
-          The Cabinet refuse to consult the electorate on their choice of incineration for waste disposal.
-          The Cabinet will not put the choice of technology or the decision to spend £96 millions to our elected representatives – you – the full Council.
-          The Cabinet know that their claim that Buckinghamshire will have to pay penal charges for exceeding landfill allowances if the incinerator purchase does not go forward are wrong.
We urge you, our elected representatives, to halt this project and insist upon a full, proper and transparent evaluation of waste disposal strategy. Buckinghamshire residents have the right to open, democratic government.
If you would like the detailed facts about the false waste growth projection please contact us at this email address.
Yours  sincerely,
Peter Brogden