Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Infrastructure Robert Marshall, John Kutner, UK Director of Veolia Environmental Services, Leader of Staffordshire County Council Philip Atkins, Chairman of Staffordshire County Council Erica Bayliss, Tom Spaul Chief Operating Officer at Veolia Environmental Services.

County council signs landmark contract

Staffordshire has officially confirmed that Veolia Environmental Services (UK) will run the county's energy from waste project as part of a 25 year Private Finance Initiative (PFI).

Philip Atkins has today given the seal of approval for the largest contract that the county council has ever entered into. County Councillor Atkins said: "This is a landmark event for the county council as it has signed the biggest ever contract in its history.

The historic contract which is expected to save Staffordshire taxpayers more than £250 million over 25 years has been signed by the leader of the county council, Philip Atkins.

County Cllr Atkins said: "Veolia went head to head against some serious competitors to win this contract. It was able to offer maximum value and maximum quality to the taxpayer which is our number one priority.

"The contract will save Staffordshire taxpayers more than £250 million over the next 25 years. This contract is all about protecting taxpayers from escalating costs and protecting the environment from mounting piles of rubbish."

Veolia is one of Europe's leading lights in the environmental field and was announced as the 'preferred bidder' in May following a rigorous and demanding selection process.

Planning permission for the plant on the Four Ashes industrial estate in the south of Staffordshire has been secured by the county council.

The plant will generate enough power for more than 32,000 homes - and it will create 40 new jobs new permanent jobs as well as many more during the construction.

It is part of Staffordshire's 'Zero Waste to Landfill' strategy which aims to protect taxpayers from rising environmental and financial costs of landfill.

The project has received Government backing to the tune of £122.4 million in recognition of the contribution it will make to national targets for reducing landfill.

It has also been given the green light by the Audit Commission for its prudent management of taxpayers' cash.

Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Infrastructure Robert Marshall said: "This is an ambitious project and we have harnessed the very best brains in the business to ensure Staffordshire gets maximum value, and maximum quality.

"Staffordshire really is leading the way nationally in tackling the ever increasing problem of waste. The financial and environmental costs of landfill are rising fast and we have taken firm action to put this county in the best position for the future.

"I would like to give a very special thank you to the project team. The speed that it has completed the various tasks in this project have saved the people of Staffordshire a substantial amount of money."

Denis Gasquet, Chief Operating Officer of Veolia Environment (COR)and CEO of Veolia Environmental Services, added: "This decision reflects our proven ability to deliver a complete PFI package based on our development and technology expertise.

"We have established a strong presence in Staffordshire and will be working closely with county council to develop the new facility in line with its environmental objectives and maximise landfill diversion."

Page Last Modified: 10/08/2010 14:49:37

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