14 Mar 2019

Defra ‘The Government has today (13 March) confirmed that new developments must deliver an overall increase in biodiversity. Following our consultation last year, the Chancellor confirmed today in the Spring Statement that the government will use the forthcoming Environment Bill to mandate ‘biodiversity net gain’ – meaning the delivery of much-needed infrastructure and housing is not at the expense […]

05 Mar 2019

Preparing for a grim reality – the Defra website is bursting with technical briefings on everything from fisheries to chemicals, two sets of guidance on fisheries and importing and exporting fish. Ditto the MMO website The fisheries sector and preparing for EU Exit   If the UK leaves the EU on 29 March without a deal, […]

24 Feb 2019

From Nathan Richardson, Waterwise: Hot on the heels of the current Defra consultation on Improving Management of Water in the Environment  Defra are preparing to consult and seek evidence on a range of water efficiency policy options including: potentially setting a target for personal water consumption introducing a water labelling scheme tightening water efficiency standards in building […]

24 Feb 2019

Defra ‘Conservation covenants will unleash a new wave of legal safeguards for England’s wildlife and natural environment, subject to a consultation launched by Environment Secretary Michael Gove today (22 February). The government is seeking views on how best to introduce conservation covenants, fulfilling a commitment made in the 25 Year Environment Plan. They are voluntary but legally-binding […]

20 Feb 2019

The government launches a series of consultations to overhaul the waste system. Published 18 February 2019 From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, HM Treasury, The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, and The Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP Press release and details of consultations Government launches consultations to overhaul the waste system, cut plastic pollution, and move […]

05 Feb 2019

Defra: Published 19 December 2018 ‘A ban on the outdoor use of metaldehyde, a pesticide used to control slugs in a range of crops and in gardens, is to be introduced across Great Britain from Spring 2020, the Environment Secretary announced today (19 December). The decision to prohibit the use of metaldehyde, except in permanent […]

05 Feb 2019

OFWAT Initial assessment of plans We set high expectations for water companies at PR19. We pushed them to go further than ever before, improving efficiency, customer service and resilience. We asked them to share financing gains with customers and to ensure that dividend and executive pay policy is aligned to delivering for customers. We asked […]