26 Apr 2023
The National Audit Office (NAO) has published a new report ‘Regulating to achieve environmental outcomes’, in which it scrutinises whether Defra is using regulation effectively in pursuit of its environmental agenda. It found green improvements, including those relating to water, are being put at risk by shortcomings in Defra’s oversight of regulation. According to the report, […]
19 Apr 2023
Defra is seeking views on the government’s proposals to enhance the monitoring of storm overflows and final effluent discharges into watercourses. This consultation closes on 23 May 2023. Consultation description The Environment Act 2021 introduced requirements for sewerage undertakers to: monitor sewerage assets and the impact they have on their local environment, and publish data […]
19 Apr 2023
As announced in the recent Plan for Water, the government has published a new National Policy Statement for water resources infrastructure. There is also a summary of responses and government response to the recent consultation on the Statement. In an (un)timely report published the data after the new National Policy Statement, the National Infrastructure Commission […]
18 Apr 2023
Environment and Climate Ministers of the G7 Countries agree actions to reverse biodiversity loss at G7 meeting in Japan. UK Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey and the UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Grant Shapps, attended in person. Guest countries included India, Indonesia and the UAE. The G7 members committed […]
12 Apr 2023
Defra has announced (10 April) that four swimming spots in England are being designated as bathing waters ahead of the warmer months and will soon benefit from regular water quality monitoring. Following a two-week public consultation, Sykes Lane Bathing Beach and Whitwell Creek at Rutland Water, Firestone Bay in Plymouth, and a section of the […]
12 Apr 2023
Floods Minister Rebecca Pow has announced the first communities in England to receive better flood protection as part of the government’s £100 million Frequently Flooded Allowance to protect areas which have been affected by repeated flooding. The first 53 projects announced today will be allocated more than £26 million in total, better protecting more than […]
05 Apr 2023
The government has published its Plan for Water, which it says highlights “more investment, stronger regulation and tougher enforcement on water companies” But the issue of storm overflows continues to dominate, as the Environment Agency published sewage spill data for 2022, showing a 19% reduction in the number of sewage spills, largely due to last […]
05 Apr 2023
According to the government, it has set out “a new plan to clean up our waters and ensure a plentiful supply for the future”. Specific measures include £1.6 billion investment brought forward to speed up vital water infrastructure projects a commitment to consult on a ban on the use of plastic in wet wipes fines […]
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