To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the arrangements are for local authorities to withdraw from joint waste management authority arrangements that they have previously joined. (141713)

I have been asked to reply.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 5 March 2007, Official Report, column 1641W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the timetable is for the introduction of joint waste authorities. (141729)

I have been asked to reply.

It will be for interested local authorities to submit proposals for joint waste authorities (JWAs) to the Secretary of State for approval and implementation through secondary legislation.

The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill, which contains the Government’s proposals to allow the creation of joint waste authorities, is scheduled to receive Royal Assent in the autumn. Following Royal Assent, the Government will undertake a consultation on draft Regulations which will set out what authorities' proposals must address. Any proposals will also be subject to a local public consultation. It is therefore estimated that the first JWAs may be established at the end of 2008 at the earliest, depending on the wishes of local authorities.