The first register of businesses and sites registered for aggregates levy has been published to ensure legal compliance and transparency.
TRANSPARENCY
The Mineral Products Association (MPA), MPA Northern Ireland and MPA Scotland had asked for the register during the recent aggregates levy review to ensure fair and open markets, safety of operations and compliance with environmental standards.
Published by HM Revenue and Customs and HM Treasury, the register will also improve transparency and allow the industry, customers and clients to check the aggregates supply is legal.
MPA chief executive officer Nigel Jackson said there had been continuing concern that some suppliers had been evading the levy and so undermining reputable and law-abiding aggregates businesses, particularly in local and regional markets.
“It is also apparent that some suppliers evading the aggregates levy are also more likely to be operating to poor health and safety and environmental standards and therefore also undermining the sustainability of supply and the acknowledged improvement in the industry’s environmental performance.
“The publication of the register is further and welcome progress in the transparency of aggregates supply.
“In particular, we would recommend that all customers and clients check that their aggregates supplies are sourced from businesses who are registered for the aggregates levy as this is a key aspect of a sustainable supply chain.”
The MPA is the trade association for the aggregates, asphalt, cement, concrete, dimension stone, lime, mortar and silica sand industries.