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European court asked to pass sentence on aggregates levy
Page 16
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A tax on virgin aggregates that is 'logically indefensible and failing to deliveli is being challenged in the European courts. David Craik reports.
THE RESULT OF A LEGAL challenge by quarry operators which could force the government to pay back millions of pounds raised in a levy on 'virgin aggregates' will be known on 13 September.
The decision will be made by the European Court of First Instance, which ensures the European Union's treaties are not infringed.
The tax was launched nearly three years ago to encourage the recycling of used aggregates, but the British Aggregates Association (BAA) claims it has caused more environmental harm than good. This is because products such as slate and china clay are exempt from the 1:160/tonne charge so they are being hauled over longer distances to replace locally sourced materials which are covered by the levy.
BAA director Robert Durward explains: "The levy is not only logically indefensible,it is also failing to deliver any tangible environmental benefit.
"The UK was already leading Europe in aggregates recycling and the use of alternatives before this legislation was introduced."