02 Feb 2016

Gradually a picture is emerging of how Liz Truss sees a post spending review Defra. Both the EFRA interview and speech to the Institute for Government develop ideas further. A number of new Pathfinder studies are announced. EFRA committee interview with Liz Truss – watch the video – January 26th Speech on reforming Defra for […]

26 Jan 2016

Water briefing: The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs has published its second catchment partnerships report for the period 2014-15. Defra delegated the powers to provide financial assistance to the Environment Agency in order to support the establishment and maintenance of partnerships across all 87 (and 6 crossborder) water management catchments in England. The Environment Agency has […]

17 Jan 2016

The green light for North Yorkshire coastal path reinforces recent Government announcements   on their commitment to coastal path investment. Defra 15th Jan  ‘New coastal paths have been approved from Filey Brigg to Newport Bridge and Dunball Wharf to St Audries Bay. The longest single section of coastal path ever to be approved has been given […]

30 Nov 2015

There are a bewildering array of other elements behind the headline % cuts which are lower than predicted. Smoke and mirrors, billions down the back of the sofa, an OBR windfall (£27bn) is how the ‘new’ money has been described. The Defra statement is set out below. Three elements begin to emerge: The flood infrastructure […]

17 Nov 2015

Defra spending  Economists at RSPB & The Wildlife Trusts say Defra is being hit with the biggest cuts http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/409659-rspb-and-the-wildlife-trusts-criticise-decision-to-cut-funding-for-environment-by-up-to-40?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=News  ADAS – research collaborations being cut https://www.fginsight.com/news/defra-starts-pulling-the-plug-on-research-projects-as-spending-cuts-bite-7783 The Environmental Audit Committee has commissioned the National Audit Office to audit the Treasury’s Spending Review process for its environmental impact.  Statement from the Chair Environmental Audit Committee Chair, […]

02 Nov 2015

Fishing Focus Issue 38 Although this issue is dominated by fuller explanations of the Demersal landings obligation there are also updates from Defra on: Bass fishing Marine Licensing Inshore fishing activities Fisheries management in MPAs Implications of climate change The MMO Marine Information system To read this go to: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fishing-focus-issue-38-autumn-2015?cm_mid=5109943&cm_crmid=00abff55-f721-e311-a13d-00155d00012f&cm_medium=email  

08 Oct 2015

This is response begins to clarify how Ministers are thinking about the Spending Review. Farming Guardian ‘Farming Minister George Eustice has insisted there is no truth in the rumour Defra could be disbanded this autumn, but has shed new light on how it will respond to budget cuts, including recovering more of its costs. To […]