Local authorities across the UK can now access a new online platform to manage pEPR grant information.

The Local Authority Payments (LAPs) service, developed by PackUK for the four UK nations, gives councils a single platform to view documentation and information relating to their EPR for packaging grant payments.

Users will be able to view and download notices of assessment, grant determination letters and remittance documents through the platform.

The service also allows authorities to check and confirm payment information, submit queries and request support.

Local authorities can use LAPs to manage authorised users within their organisation, with chief executive officers (CEOs) being invited to register initially.

A head of finance must also be registered to confirm the details used for the distribution of EPR for packaging payments.

PackUK explained that LAPs is an information and administration platform rather than a payment system. It does not calculate, process or transfer grant payments, and the launch does not alter how councils receive their EPR funding.

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The Local Authority Payments Service

The platform was developed following engagement with local authorities, with councils from across the UK taking part in testing during June and July.

Feedback from the testing highlighted the ease of navigating the service and the benefit of having grant documentation available through a single platform, PackUK said.

Once an organisation has been given access, its authorised users will be able to view grant information and manage access to the service.

Guidance and support on EPR for packaging grants will also be available through LAPs.

The new service is part of PackUK's wider development of digital infrastructure for the packaging EPR scheme.

More than £1.4 billion was distributed to local authorities across the UK during the scheme's first operational year.

The funding is intended to support improvements to local recycling and waste management services.