PRESS RELEASE

23 April 2009

12/08/09

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE CALLS FOR MORE ACTION ON COSTS 

The Committee for the Environment continues to be concerned about the number of fee increases being proposed by the Department of the Environment and is now calling for the Permanent Secretary to justify the increases and demonstrate what positive action is being taken by his Department to minimise costs to businesses.

Chairman Patsy McGlone said, “Over the last few weeks the Environment Committee has been asked to consider a range of fee increase proposals across various divisions of the Department. Members know the Department faces an ongoing struggle for resources but will not accept that this can be solved simply by passing on costs. We are in the middle of an economic crisis and must protect consumers and businesses from unnecessary increases. We have therefore called for the Permanent Secretary to explain the increases and clarify what positive action his department is taking to reduce its financial impact on businesses and society.”

The Committee has recently been asked to consider increased fees and new charges in a range of policy areas including entertainment licensing, waste management schemes, water abstraction and discharge licensing and vehicle testing.

“We want the Department to demonstrate a constructive approach to supporting economic activity and find innovative ways of keeping costs to a minimum. As we know, this recession is affecting everyone and it is essential that all Departments recognise their part in helping Northern Ireland through this economic crisis”, concluded Mr McGlone

ENDS

Notes to editors

The Committee for the Environment will next meet on Thursday 02 April 2009 at 10.30am in Room 144, Parliament Buildings.

Committee membership:
Patsy McGlone, Chairperson
Cathal Boylan, Deputy Chairperson
Roy Beggs
Trevor Clarke
David Ford
Tommy Gallagher
David McClarty
Ian McCrea
Daithí McKay
Alastair Ross
Peter Weir

Mrs Alexandra McGarel
Clerk to the Committee
Committee for the Environment,
Room 245,
Parliament Buildings,
Belfast BT4 3XX.
Telephone 028 90521347.
Fax 028 90521795