Value for Money

Investigation into government’s actions to combat waste crime in England

Published 27 April 2022 5 recommendations Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Energy and environmentWaste and recycling nao.org.uk
This investigation assesses government’s oversight of the waste industry and what action is taken to address illegal activity.

Recommendations (5)

Source: NAO Recommendations Tracker
5
Accepted
3
Implemented
2
In Progress
5
NAO Confirmed
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Environment Agency
Rec 1 Accepted Implemented
We have identified areas where Defra and the Agency, working with HMRC and others, could make further progress: Improve data on waste crime and strengthen understanding of the resources being used to tackle it, so that resources can be targeted more effectively
Page 12, paragraph 25, 1st bullet Q3 2024-25 HM Revenue and Customs
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Environment Agency
Rec 2 Accepted Work in Progress
Better understand the relationship between landfill tax rates and the incentives to commit waste crime.
Page 12, paragraph 25, 2nd bullet Q4 2025-26 HM Revenue and Customs
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Environment Agency
Rec 3 Accepted Work in Progress
Put progress indicators in place for the waste crime elements of the Waste and Resources Strategy as soon as possible.
Page 12, paragraph 25, 3rd bullet Q4 2025-26 HM Revenue and Customs
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Environment Agency
Rec 4 Accepted Implemented
Make use of data from police databases and systems to enhance intelligence gathering and improve collaboration with partners.
Page 12, paragraph 25, 4th bullet Q1 2022-23 HM Revenue and Customs
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Environment Agency
Rec 5 Accepted Implemented
Establish a more stable footing for the Joint Unit for Waste Crime?s funding.
Page 12, paragraph 25, 5th bullet Q1 2022-23 HM Revenue and Customs