This is an environmental tax imposed on producers of commercial aggregate in the United Kingdom. It came into effect in 2002 and was introduced to address the environmental costs associated with quarrying, such as noise, dust, visual intrusion, loss of amenity and damage to geological and biological diversity. Anyone responsible for commercially exploiting aggregate in the UK is required to pay the Levy, which is calculated based on the weight of aggregate they produce.

Part of the Aggregates Levy revenue is routed via the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund (ASLF), a fund that aims to reduce the environmental and social impacts of aggregate extraction. Between April 2008 and March 2011, the objectives of the Fund support Defra’s (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) goals of tackle the causes and consequences of climate change and securing a healthy natural environment. Funds are allocated to projects that satisfy one or more of the following criteria:

  • Quarries – reducing environmental footprint and making the most of the opportunities they offer
  • Marine – reduce the environmental footprint of marine extraction
  • Resource Use – deliver a more sustainable use of aggregates
  • Transport – reduce the environmental footprint of aggregate transport
  • Communities – deliver benefits to communities affected by extraction

Further information on the ALSF scheme can be found through the web link below:

 

Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund

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