18 October 2013
George Freeman's statement on the incinerator...
“This unhappy saga of the incinerator continues to bedevil Norfolk's politics: a case study in how not to build public support for major infrastructure. As a committed localist I think it should be a decision for our County Council. The last County Council decided it was a cost effective and acceptable way to get rid of our waste. W Norfolk residents didn't want it near them. DEFRA today have said they are investing in recycling to reduce the need for incineration and withdrawn the funding because they don't believe the incinerator is needed. As I understand it pulling out of the contract will cost Norfolk taxpayers millions because of a penalty clause. Labour and UKIP jumped on the bandwagon opposing it and now, in control of County Hall, have to show they can take tough decisions in the interests of Norfolk taxpayers and residents, who will rightly expect their hard earnt taxes not to be wasted. We need to see a thorough cost-benefit analysis so a proper decision can be made based on what's best for Norfolk, not on political point scoring.”
“This unhappy saga of the incinerator continues to bedevil Norfolk's politics: a case study in how not to build public support for major infrastructure. As a committed localist I think it should be a decision for our County Council. The last County Council decided it was a cost effective and acceptable way to get rid of our waste. W Norfolk residents didn't want it near them. DEFRA today have said they are investing in recycling to reduce the need for incineration and withdrawn the funding because they don't believe the incinerator is needed. As I understand it pulling out of the contract will cost Norfolk taxpayers millions because of a penalty clause. Labour and UKIP jumped on the bandwagon opposing it and now, in control of County Hall, have to show they can take tough decisions in the interests of Norfolk taxpayers and residents, who will rightly expect their hard earnt taxes not to be wasted. We need to see a thorough cost-benefit analysis so a proper decision can be made based on what's best for Norfolk, not on political point scoring.”
