Aggregates fund to continue

Despite a reduction in the allocation of funds, quarrying associations have welcomed the announcement that the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF) is to be continued.

There had been concern that no mention of the fund in the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review or pre-Budget report suggested it might be scrapped.

But its future is now assured, with DEFRA pledging £24m per annum for the next three years.

Simon van der Byl, director general of QPA, recognised that the available sum was less than when the fund was introduced in 2002, but said the £24m "is what we'd hoped it would be pragmatically".

He added: "The consultation also addresses the carbon question more clearly and there's a willingness from government to listen to the industry on key issues."

Peter Huxtable, British Aggregates Association secretary, said: "We are pleased it's being continued but, with the Aggregates Levy going up 22%, it's disappointing that the ALSF has been reduced."