The Environment Act gradually comes into force with the OEP receiving its legal powers

Greener UK Each section of the Environment Act comes into force via commencement orders which are laid in Parliament. On Monday 24 January, the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) assumed its legal powers via powers via Commencement Order No.2. Having campaigned for many years for a strong and independent OEP to hold the government to account, we warmly welcome this milestone. Hear Greener UK’s Ruth Chambers discuss the launch on Farming Today.

Whilst this is a big step in addressing some of the governance gaps that arose when the UK left the EU, there is a lot of work still to be done and we have high expectations for the OEP. The government must publish the OEP’s five year budget soon; Defra and the OEP need to set clear ground rules for how they will work together; and the OEP needs to demonstrate its impact in holding public authorities to account. We are looking forward to the publication of its first assessment of the government’s progress on delivering the 25 year environment plan, expected in March.

If you want to have your say, the consultation on the OEP’s draft strategy and enforcement policy is open until 22 March. Greener UK will be submitting a response.