Recommendations & Conclusions
99 items
1
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
There are currently multiple overlapping strategies which purport to articulate the UK Government’s ambitions, actions, and objectives for woodland creation. Stakeholders are concerned that it is unclear how the Government’s policy objectives for forestry and the timber sector align with its land use and decarbonisation policies. Furthermore, it is not …
Government response. The government stated that its England Trees Action Plan provides a long-term vision to 2050, reinforced by the Environmental Improvement Plan, addressing concerns about clarity and long-term direction, and is working with industry on the National Wood Strategy.
2
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
Although it has some references to the timber sector, the England Trees Action Plan, intended to be the ‘strategic framework’ for treescapes in England, did not comprehensively articulate a vision for timber production. It has not provided an adequate framework for the forestry sector.
Government response. The government reiterated that its England Trees Action Plan offers a generational vision to 2050, reinforced by the Environmental Improvement Plan, and is collaborating with industry on the sector-led National Wood Strategy.
3
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
We therefore welcome Defra’s engagement with the forestry, timber and construction sectors in relation to the industry-led National Wood Strategy and through the Timber in Construction working group. It is important that the proposed Timber in Construction Roadmap is published as soon as possible and provides clarity on how the …
Government response. The government committed to publishing the Timber in Construction Roadmap later in 2023, noting good progress and ongoing engagement with industry to increase domestic timber supply and use.
4
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
To give the sector greater clarity, we recommend that future strategies for forestry should be fully integrated so as to establish a clear and holistic long-term vision for all woodland creation types. The Government should clearly set out how forestry in England will contribute to the delivery of its policy …
Government response. The government stated its existing England Trees Action Plan provides a generational vision to 2050, reinforced by the Environmental Improvement Plan, claiming these already establish a clear and holistic long-term vision for forestry.
5
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
We further recommend that the Timber in Construction roadmap should be closely related to, and developed in conjunction with, the Government’s vision for the forestry sector as a whole. As we recommended in our recent report, Building to net zero: costing carbon in construction, this roadmap must address the afforestation …
Government response. The government is developing the Timber in Construction Roadmap in conjunction with stakeholders, aiming to balance wood production with diversified supply chains and broader forest policy objectives for nature recovery and net zero.
6
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
Tree planting and woodland creation are vital for delivering many of the Government’s environmental targets and commitments, as well as providing a domestic source of timber. We therefore support the tree planting targets set by the UK Government and welcome the commitments to increase woodland cover in England made in …
Government response. The government agreed with the committee's observation, detailing over £675 million in funding, legislative targets, and achieving the highest tree planting rate in England in nearly a decade.
7
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
We are concerned about the current rate of tree planting. In 2022–23, tree planting rates across the UK were at similar levels to the previous four years and remained below half the rate required to meet the overall target of 30,000 hectares per year by March 2025. At this rate …
Government response. The government responded to concerns about tree planting rates by highlighting a significant increase in England's planting in 22/23, the highest in a decade, and a strong pipeline, stating it considers this positive progress towards targets.
8
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted in Part
We recommend that in its response to this report the Government provide an assessment of the progress of tree planting in (a) England and (b) the UK against the targets set by Ministers; set out its latest and most realistic estimate of the numbers of trees likely to have been …
Government response. The government provided an assessment of England's tree planting progress and future projections but did not provide a specific numerical estimate for planting by March 2025 or detail new policies to accelerate the current rate.
9
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted in Part
To ensure that the nation’s woodlands help to deliver the Government’s ambitions for nature, carbon storage and timber production, several stakeholders have called on the Government to apportion tree-planting targets in line with desired outcomes, to ensure that the right balance of outcomes is achieved from woodland creation. We agree. …
Government response. The government stated that statutory sub-targets for tree planting were considered but rejected for delivery confidence; however, it will use policy and incentives to encourage a range of woodland types to meet targets.
10
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Rejected
In order to give the forestry sector greater clarity, we recommend that following the development of the Land Use Framework, the Government divide its overall tree planting targets into sub-categories for the types of woodland needed to achieve different goals. These targets should be underpinned by the clear, holistic long-term …
Government response. The government rejected dividing statutory tree planting targets into sub-categories, citing delivery confidence, but stated a 2028 review would provide an opportunity to reconsider non-statutory sub-targets. They affirmed using policy and incentives to encourage a range of woodland types.
11
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Acknowledged
Forestry England has planted only 303 hectares against its target of 2,000 hectares of new planting between 2021 and 2026. Despite pursing leasehold partnership arrangements, in recent years Forestry England has planted virtually no new woodlands on leasehold land.
Government response. The government acknowledged the observation, stating Forestry England is confident of meeting its 2,000-hectare target and has planted 189 hectares on leasehold land, with another 267 hectares expected by 2026/27, further extending its partnership offer to purchase freehold land.
12
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Not Addressed
Decisive action and a clear delivery plan are required for Forestry England to meet its target of planting 2,000 hectares of new woodland by 2026. We recommend that a plan be prepared by the end of October 2023 and published for transparency, to demonstrate to the public and the private …
Government response. The government stated Forestry England is confident in meeting its woodland creation target and provided updated planting figures, but did not commit to preparing or publishing a specific delivery plan by October 2023 as recommended.
13
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
The private sector is concerned about the implications of delays to Forestry England restocking on future timber supply. Forestry England is responsible for a significant proportion of domestic timber production and should be appropriately resourced to carry out timely restocking.
Government response. The government acknowledged concerns about restocking delays, stating Forestry England regularly restocks and allocates resources through business planning. Additionally, it is investing £11 million to modernise seed and sapling facilities to improve production and prevent future delays in restocking.
14
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
In addition to planting new woodland where possible and using good forestry practice to do so, we recommend that Ministers ensure that Forestry England has sufficient resources to restock cleared forest areas as soon as possible, to ensure that Forestry England at least maintains its contribution to future timber supply.
Government response. The government accepted the recommendation, stating that Forestry England's business planning already allocates resources for restocking and that an £11 million investment is being made to modernise seed and sapling facilities to prevent delays and ensure resilient planting stock.
15
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Acknowledged
Central government is a major landowner. The Greening Government Commitments commit the Government to identify opportunities to contribute to nature recovery on the Government estate. Woodland creation can be a significant contributor to nature recovery. (Paragraph 70) Seeing the wood for the trees: the contribution of the forestry and timber …
Government response. The government acknowledged the conclusion, highlighting its ongoing actions under the England Trees Action Plan to increase timber production and nature recovery on public land, and its current efforts to identify further tree planting opportunities across the government estate.
16
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Acknowledged
We recommend that Ministers commission work to identify opportunities for woodland creation on the Government estate, to advance nature recovery further and increase timber production.
Government response. The government acknowledged the recommendation, stating it is currently considering how to better collate data and identify tree planting opportunities across the government estate and is in conversation with departments and No10 regarding the scope of this work.
17
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
Public annual reporting on progress towards the Greening Government Commitments apparently ceased in 2019–20. We recommend that annual reporting of this nature should be re-established as soon as possible, to give assurance to Parliament and the public that the Government is contributing to nature recovery to the fullest extent possible.
Government response. The government accepted the recommendation, stating that the Greening Government Commitments reporting cycle was delayed due to the pandemic but confirmed the 2020-21 report was published in April 2023 and the 2021-22 report is scheduled for later this calendar year.
18
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
The Government is relying on third parties to plant the lion’s share of the trees required to meet its tree planting targets and thus deliver timber production as well as a suite of climate and environmental objectives. It is therefore crucial that the Government is clear on what it requires …
Government response. The government stated that the England Woodland Creation Offer's ambition already includes commercial forestry and timber production, and they have run campaigns focusing on the economic aspects of woodland creation to communicate its benefits to prospective planters.
19
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
We recommend that in all its forestry and timber strategies the Government must ensure that it is clear to private landowners and the commercial forestry sector that grant schemes are intended to support planting for domestic timber production through the establishment of mixed woodlands planted to the UK Forestry Standard, …
Government response. The government stated that the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) already aims to encourage commercial forestry and timber production, and they have conducted campaigns to clearly communicate that grant schemes support planting for domestic timber production in mixed woodlands.
20
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
To realise the benefits of tree planting, and to avoid detrimental outcomes, it is essential that the ‘right tree in the right place’ principle is followed. The ‘presumption to plant’ principle being developed by the Forestry Commission could be a useful tool to enable ecologically sensitive tree planting and faster …
Government response. The government has already published initial maps for woodland creation constraints and is actively developing updated versions with Natural England, planning to publish them in autumn 2023 to support forestry regulation under the 'presumption to plant' principle.
21
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Acknowledged
The reliance on the UK Forestry Standard to ensure the sustainability of planting in areas identified as ‘low risk’ could provide a proportionate risk-mitigation mechanism. For this to operate effectively it is important that Forestry England maintain its monitoring of the compliance of new woodland with the UKFS beyond the …
Government response. The government acknowledges that UKFS compliance checking is currently limited to grant applications and felling license assessments, and states it is considering what additional resources would be needed for greater woodland management oversight beyond the establishment stage.
22
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
For transparency, we recommend that the Forestry Commission publish a summary of the analysis underpinning the ‘presumption to plant’ system when details of how the system will work are announced. (Paragraph 97) 78 Seeing the wood for the trees: the contribution of the forestry and timber sectors to biodiversity and …
Government response. The government has already published an initial report detailing the datasets used for the 'presumption to plant' maps and plans to publish updated maps and a short report in autumn 2023, outlining their use for regulating forestry proposals.
23
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
Against a backdrop of increasing demand, the UK’s softwood timber production is set to peak in the late 2030s before falling back to current levels in the 2040s. Given the UK’s heavy reliance on timber imports and the potential negative impacts that increased UK and global demand could have on …
Government response. The government agrees with the importance of increasing domestic timber production and highlights its England Trees Action Plan and statutory tree and woodland target to achieve 16.5% cover by 2050, which aims to stimulate increased planting of both hard and …
24
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Rejected
We recommend that the Government set a realistic long-term target for the amount of timber to be produced domestically. This target should be informed by: • the analysis being undertaken to produce Defra’s Land Use Framework; • a comprehensive analysis of the commercial species which need to be planted, and …
Government response. The government has rejected setting a specific long-term domestic timber production target, citing challenges due to market factors, but notes its existing woodland cover target. It is, however, working with industry on forecasting, a Timber in Construction Roadmap, and identifying …
25
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted in Part
In tandem with this target, and in line with our earlier recommendations, we recommend that the Government determine the proportion of new woodland to be established under current targets which is to contribute to timber production.
Government response. The government commits to increasing both productive conifer and broadleaf planting and is working with stakeholders to understand how to promote this, including supporting woodland management through innovation funds and researching tree breeding programmes, but does not explicitly commit to …
26
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Acknowledged
Delivery of the Government’s net zero and nature recovery targets depends on wide- scale woodland creation. The amount of CO absorbed, the levels of biodiversity 2 supported and other benefits or negative effects of woodland creation are all highly variable, depending on where and how woodland is established, the tree …
Government response. The government agrees that forestry and timber are crucial for Net Zero and biodiversity, outlining its England Trees Action Plan and a statutory target to increase woodland cover to 16.5% by 2050, emphasizing mixed, resilient woodlands for varied environmental, productive, …
27
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
Planting more conifer trees is needed if domestic softwood production levels are to be maintained or increased. However, a policy to grow productive woodlands to achieve future timber supply and other benefits for nature and climate, are dependent on forests surviving in the medium to long term. Such policies should …
Government response. The government accepts the need for policies prioritising species diversity and resilience, stating it encourages mixed woodlands and implements measures like the Seed Sourcing Grant, Tree Production Innovation Fund, and Tree Health Resilience Strategy to ensure trees are resilient to …
28
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
New or restocked woodlands planted to the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) will have lower yields of timber per area. The planting of predominantly broadleaf species in recent decades has reduced the future availability of softwood timber. To ensure the continued availability of softwoods from productive forestry, it is evident that …
Government response. The government accepts the need to increase conifer planting without sacrificing broadleaf species, stating that its statutory woodland cover target will stimulate planting of both hard and softwoods, and that it aims to encourage mixed woodlands for diverse purposes.
29
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
Given the different advantages of different woodland types and species mixes for biodiversity, carbon storage and timber production, to ensure that the benefits of the nation’s woodlands are fully realised, the total area of woodland managed to the UKFS must be increased. Significantly expanding the UK’s woodland cover is necessary …
Government response. The government accepts the need to increase woodland cover and manage it effectively, citing its statutory target to increase tree canopy and woodland cover to at least 16.5% by 2050, which aims to stimulate diverse and resilient woodland creation for …
30
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Acknowledged
We recommend that the project board with oversight of the current quinquennial review of the UK Forestry Standard ensure that the revised Standard not only contributes to beneficial outcomes for biodiversity and carbon storage but also supports productive forestry to the fullest extent compatible with climate and nature goals. This …
Government response. The government acknowledges that the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) is already based on principles supporting productive forestry and biodiversity. The Forestry Commission will work with stakeholders and devolved administrations to ensure clarity and consistency regarding changes to the latest UKFS …
31
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Acknowledged
The UK Forestry Standard underpins regulation of the sustainability of the nation’s forests and plays an important role in ensuring that renewed efforts to increase timber supply do not repeat the mistakes of the past. Yet the existence of the standard is not proof that the nation’s forests are being …
Government response. The government acknowledges concerns about monitoring UKFS compliance beyond initial establishment for non-grant aided operations. The Forestry Commission intends to conduct periodic reviews of compliance and is exploring the future use of Earth Observation and remote sensing technology to assist.
32
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Not Addressed
The Government aims to increase tree-cover expansion at rates not seen for decades in order to deliver a range of ecosystem service benefits. To ensure that these benefits are realised, and to deliver the Government’s vision for increased woodland cover, Forestry England must be resourced appropriately so as to ensure …
Government response. The government's response highlights that Forestry England uses independent certification schemes that exceed UKFS requirements to demonstrate sustainable management, but it does not address the recommendation to review and ensure appropriate resourcing for UKFS compliance.
33
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Acknowledged
Given the importance of the UKFS in ensuring that forests are managed sustainably, we recommend that the Forestry Commission establish a programme for the routine monitoring of woodland to ensure that the standard is being adhered to beyond establishment, adopting new technology to aid this, where feasible to do so.
Government response. The government acknowledges the need for monitoring UKFS compliance beyond initial establishment, particularly for non-grant aided operations. The Forestry Commission intends to conduct periodic reviews of compliance and explore the future use of Earth Observation and remote sensing technology.
34
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Not Addressed
We further recommend that the Forestry Commission urgently review the resources available to Forestry England so as to ensure that it has sufficient resources to ensure the compliance of woodlands with the UKFS. (Paragraph 166) 80 Seeing the wood for the trees: the contribution of the forestry and timber sectors …
Government response. The government's response highlights that Forestry England uses independent certification schemes that exceed UKFS requirements to demonstrate sustainable management, but it does not address the recommendation to urgently review resources available to Forestry England for UKFS compliance.
35
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Acknowledged
We welcome the Government’s aims to increase the uptake of timber in construction. The long-term use of timber in construction offers longer term carbon storage potential than other uses of harvested wood products and therefore has an important role to play in helping the UK to meet its net zero …
Government response. The government acknowledges the environmental benefits of using responsibly sourced timber in construction, affirming its commitment through various strategies to increase timber use for carbon storage.
36
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Acknowledged
It is important that domestically-grown timber resulting from the current drive to plant is available for use in construction as far as possible. While there is scope to use UK-grown timber for a wide variety of non-structural purposes, engineered solutions and potentially changes in construction practices are required to allow …
Government response. The government acknowledges the importance of domestically grown timber for construction and describes ongoing efforts through the Timber in Construction Roadmap to address barriers and increase demand for English wood. They highlight current projects and a knowledge library supporting innovative …
37
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
To support the Government’s commitments, we reiterate the recommendation made in chapter 1 that the Timber in Construction roadmap be published as soon as possible. The roadmap must comprehensively address the afforestation commitments made in the England Trees Action Plan and the need for timber construction products.
Government response. The government accepts the recommendation, stating that good progress has been made on the Timber in Construction Roadmap, which they intend to publish later in 2023. They confirm the roadmap will consider actions to increase domestic timber supply and involves …
38
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted in Part
For UK-grown timber to be used in construction, the Government needs to support the sawmilling sector to transition UK production towards producing a higher percentage of construction grade timber products and engineered timber. Action to support this transition should be specifically set out in the Timber in Construction roadmap.
Government response. The government commits to addressing the need to support the sawmilling sector within the Timber in Construction Roadmap. The roadmap will explore barriers to using English wood and aim to set out how these can be addressed, including through greater …
39
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
The Timber in Construction roadmap should consider how Government can incentivise changes in practice to allow the safe use of domestically grown timber in construction, including through the use of innovative engineered timber products.
Government response. The government accepts the recommendation, stating that during the development of the Timber in Construction Roadmap, they have already explored options to incentivise low carbon construction, including the safe use of domestically grown timber and innovative engineered timber products. They …
40
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Acknowledged
Growing the market for hardwood in composite products—as an alternative to use for firewood—could utilise broadleaf resources in the UK, with the added benefit of incentivising more broadleaf woodlands to be brought into management. However, growing quality hardwoods remains difficult due to disease and pests, and undermanagement.
Government response. The government agrees with the committee that there is an opportunity to increase domestic hardwood use and is considering its potential as part of the Timber in Construction Roadmap, mentioning existing funds and future work with industry.
41
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
We recommend that, as part of the Timber in Construction Roadmap, the Government consider how the future UK market can be served by a greater proportion of domestically grown hardwoods (for example, through engineered timber products).
Government response. The government accepts the recommendation and is considering the potential for homegrown hardwoods within the Timber in Construction Roadmap, including promoting woodland management, pest control, and working with industry on tree breeding.
42
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Acknowledged
While imported woody biomass continues to be a major bioenergy feedstock, it is important that biomass used in UK power generation, whether from the UK or overseas, is genuinely sustainably sourced in a way which minimises the impact on forest biodiversity and carbon stocks. The CCC has continually stressed that …
Government response. The government acknowledges the importance of sustainable biomass by stating the Biomass Strategy, published on August 10th, includes actions to strengthen sustainability criteria and commits to a consultation on these in 2024.
43
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted in Part
The Biomass Strategy, which was promised by the end of 2022, must now be issued as soon as possible. We recommend that the Strategy take a risk-based approach to ensuring the sustainability of biomass use, managing risks on a domestic and a global scale. In preparing the Strategy we recommend …
Government response. The government states the Biomass Strategy was published on August 10th and includes actions to strengthen sustainability criteria, covering GHG emissions, biodiversity, and feedstock origin, with a consultation planned for 2024. However, it does not explicitly commit to considering quotas …
44
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Acknowledged
The amount of biomass used by the UK power sector should be constrained by the supply of low-carbon sustainable feedstocks, factoring in potential domestic supply and rising trends of bioenergy use globally. The Biomass Strategy should set out and quantify the potential of different biomass sources to deliver energy and …
Government response. The government states the Biomass Strategy acknowledges biomass as a limited resource and presents an assessment of its potential, while noting the complexity and uncertainty in predicting future sustainable supply and prioritising uses for negative emissions.
45
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted in Part
The Government needs to manage risks associated with the sustainability of feedstock supply through its governance framework for biomass, which must be strengthened. Improvements should include: • All biomass used for large-scale power generation in the UK should be required to adhere to the sustainability criteria set by the UK …
Government response. The government agrees to strengthen its biomass governance framework, committing to requiring 100% proven sustainable woody biomass feedstock and developing a common GHG emissions calculation methodology, with a consultation planned for 2024. However, it does not explicitly commit to a …
46
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
We echo and endorse the recommendation of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee, in its recent report on Decarbonisation of the power sector, that the full lifecycle emissions from BECCS facilities in the UK should be made carbon neutral within a timeframe compatible with the UK’s climate targets.
Government response. The government commits to developing a BECCS policy ensuring net-negative emissions based on full lifecycle assessment, outlining principles for deployment and confirming criteria for robust negative emissions.
47
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
As demand for biomass feedstock grows globally, sourcing more biomass domestically could increase the security of UK biomass supply. Provided that overharvesting is avoided, bringing a higher proportion of existing forests into active management could provide a source of woody biomass for bioenergy in the UK with added benefits for …
Government response. The government agrees with the committee that increasing domestic woody biomass supply from actively managed forests offers opportunities and benefits for biodiversity and resilience, and highlights existing Countryside Stewardship grants and Woods into Management Forestry Innovation Funds that support this.
48
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Not Addressed
We recommend that the Government conduct an impact assessment of the effects on the delivery the UK’s climate and biodiversity commitments of bringing a higher proportion of existing forests into active management. (Paragraph 229) 82 Seeing the wood for the trees: the contribution of the forestry and timber sectors to …
Government response. The government agrees with the benefits of active forest management for domestic biomass supply and highlights existing grant schemes, but does not address the recommendation to conduct an impact assessment of its effects on climate and biodiversity commitments.
49
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Acknowledged
Short-rotation forestry and short-rotation coppice crops are currently little used, but demand for them is likely to increase. If they are considered to be significant and necessary bioenergy feedstock sources, their planting must be scaled up sustainably, in line with best forestry practices and limited to an appropriate area of …
Government response. The government agrees that any upscaling of short-rotation forestry and coppice must be sustainable and not reduce food production, stating they will explore these issues with industry and that the Land Use Framework will provide further detail.
50
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Acknowledged
In the forthcoming Biomass Strategy and Land Use Strategy the Government must determine the capacity of the UK to supply bioenergy feedstock from its forest resources—including forest residues, short rotation forestry and coppicing—analysing the risks of drawing upon these resources and modelling land-use trade-offs, particularly in relation to security of …
Government response. The government agrees with the need for sustainable upscaling and states an updated assessment of potential future biomass availability was published. They commit to exploring these issues in depth and further detail will be provided in the Land Use Framework.
51
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Acknowledged
We recommend that the Forestry Commission, as the Government’s experts on forestry, work with Ofgem to share best forestry practice. The objective of this collaboration ought to be to ensure that, should demand for domestic wood biomass in energy markets increase, the regulatory framework for bioenergy feedstocks derived from forestry …
Government response. The government clarifies that DESNZ is responsible for the regulatory framework, while Ofgem's role is administrative. They acknowledge the importance of collaboration and state DESNZ has already developed actions with the Forestry Commission for a consultation in 2024 to strengthen …
1
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
Significant action is required to reduce the impact on deforestation of the UK’s consumption of agricultural products. While the UK is the 15th largest contributor to tropical deforestation in global terms, the intensity of UK consumption (measured in footprint per tonne of product consumed) is higher than that of China. …
Government response. The government states it has already taken significant action through initiatives like the Global Resource Initiative Taskforce and incorporated recommendations into the Environment Act 2021. It also highlights ongoing work by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee to monitor the global …
2
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Rejected
Consumption patterns in the UK which rely on the current global supply chain are unsustainable. Addressing these patterns is essential to the UK’s contribution to the alleviation of global biodiversity loss. The first step in addressing them is in recognising the need to reduce the UK’s overall consumption. We welcome …
Government response. The government will continue to explore how the monitoring, measurement, and reporting of global environmental impacts can be further developed but states it will not consider setting a global footprint target until a robust evidence base is established to avoid …
3
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
We reiterate the recommendation we made in our September 2021 report on The UK’s footprint on global biodiversity, which reflects that of the Global Resource Initiative Taskforce, that the UK Government should commence the process of setting an environmental footprint target with the aim of reducing the UK’s global environmental …
Government response. The government describes its existing Forest Risk Commodities scheme, support for the UK Soy Manifesto, the UK Sustainable Commodities Initiative (UK SCI), and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) as initiatives already in place or coming into force to …
4
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Acknowledged
Understanding which forest risk commodities are contributing to deforestation, and on what scale, is essential for the UK and other nations to introduce effective legislation and policies. Monitoring and transparent data reporting are therefore crucial, including on how consumption contributes to deforestation. These are very complex undertakings, requiring global cooperation …
Government response. The government agrees with the importance of monitoring and transparent data reporting and states that scoping work is underway to assess the feasibility of incorporating metals and minerals into the Global Environmental Impacts of Consumption indicator framework.
5
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Deferred
To ensure that the UK can measure and track progress, we recommend that the Government should continue to fund the development of a monitoring, measurement and reporting framework for UK consumption.
Government response. The government did not commit to funding the development of a monitoring, measurement, and reporting framework for UK consumption, instead stating it is not currently considering widening the scope of Government Buying Standards (GBS) and detailing an ongoing consultation to …
6
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Deferred
We recommend that the Government use its influence in all relevant forums to promote international data disclosure (and domestic disclosure of UK customs and industrial data) so as to improve the monitoring of forest risks in the UK and globally.
Government response. The government's response focuses on existing and reviewed Government Buying Standards for food and catering, including current requirements for palm oil and coffee, and future consideration of forest-risk commodities within these procurement standards, rather than addressing the recommendation to promote …
7
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Deferred
Illegal mining is increasingly recognised as a driver of deforestation in some regions. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has indicated that its programmes addressing deforestation are to be expanded to cover a wider range of forest risk commodities, beyond timber, and will expressly include mining. We welcome this explicit …
Government response. The government's response focuses solely on existing United Kingdom Timber Regulations (UKTR) and FLEGT Regulations, and plans to review the Timber Regulations in 2024, completely omitting any mention of mining as a driver of deforestation, which was the focus of …
8
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Deferred
We recommend that UK consumption monitoring be developed to incorporate the monitoring of mined products, so as to support the Government’s programmes addressing the impact of mining-related deforestation.
Government response. The government response outlines general processes for new regulations, including grace periods, reporting requirements, and exemptions for organisations, but does not specifically address the recommendation to develop UK consumption monitoring for mined products.
9
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
Given the scale of government purchasing power, both centrally and across the wider public sector, the UK Government has an opportunity, and a responsibility, to drive best practice and to demand the use of sustainably sourced products.
Government response. The government states that the Environment Act will require large organisations using forest risk commodities to ensure compliance with local land laws, and commits to publishing a review of the Forest Risk Commodity scheme two years after it comes into …
10
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Deferred
We recommend that each Government Buying Standard be made mandatory for all large public sector bodies, including the NHS, the Armed Forces and HM Prison Service, as it currently is for UK Government departments and their partner organisations. Annual reporting on compliance against public procurement policies should also be mandatory …
Government response. The government deflects the recommendation regarding making Government Buying Standards mandatory and requiring annual compliance reporting for public sector bodies, instead detailing its existing and developing supply-side interventions and international funding programmes aimed at sustainable forest risk commodity supply chains.
11
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Deferred
Sustainable government procurement presents a pathway to increasing the sustainability of supply chains. Government performance against existing sustainable procurement policies has been unimpressive to date. The 2020–21 Greening Government Commitments report indicated that ten departments had submitted information about their performance against the procurement commitment in that year. Given that …
Government response. The government response entirely diverts from the recommendation to require full and published reporting against Greening Government Commitments, instead detailing consultation feedback on the number of forest risk commodities for due diligence legislation and deforestation footprint statistics.
12
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Deferred
There is an opportunity to learn from the experience of timber and palm oil procurement, and to strengthen and extend these approaches.
Government response. The government response focuses on recognising and supporting the land rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) through due diligence legislation and FCDO programmes, rather than addressing the recommendation to learn from and extend approaches used in timber and …
13
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Acknowledged
We recommend that the GBS require all acquired forest-risk commodities (in addition to palm oil, timber and paper) to be certified as sustainably produced. (Paragraph 41) The UK’s proposed due diligence system under the Environment Act 2021
Government response. The government will focus statutory reviews on scheme effectiveness and is exploring how to address the role of indigenous peoples in forest preservation within the independent evaluation of the scheme.
14
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
Current UK regulation is not sufficient when it comes to limiting non-sustainable deforestation. It relies too heavily on the laws in exporting countries and an assumption that that these laws will incorporate adequate provision for sustainability: as currently drafted the Regulations take control of the UK’s impact on sustainable timber …
Government response. The government commits to publishing guidance on the application of the Schedule 17 regime for the financial sector when secondary legislation is laid, and HM Treasury will conduct a review to assess the regulation of illegal deforestation financing.
15
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Acknowledged
We recommend that the Government bring forward proposals to amend the UK Timber Regulations so as not only to prevent illegally harvested timber being placed on UK markets but also to require all imported timber to be sustainably harvested. (Paragraph 52) 48 The UK’s contribution to tackling global deforestation
Government response. The government encourages businesses to use the TNFD’s risk management disclosure recommendations and will consider how best to incorporate the TNFD into UK policy and regulatory architecture.
16
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Deferred
The Government’s consultation on proposals for Schedule 17 implementation ended in March 2022, but secondary legislation has not yet been brought forward and the Government has not yet committed to a date by which it can be expected. While we welcome the Secretary of State’s recent clarification of the initial …
Government response. The government detailed its commitment to invest at least £1.5 billion in UK International Climate Finance for forest protection and restoration by March 2026, and announced £576 million in new forests programming, but did not address the delay in bringing …
17
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Deferred
We recommend that the Government publish its proposed suite of regulations as a matter of urgency. Where regulations are to be subject to the affirmative procedure, Ministers must publish a clear timetable for drafts to be laid, approved by both Houses and brought into force, to allow those businesses likely …
Government response. The government agreed with the committee regarding the IPLC Forest Tenure Pledge and detailed existing and new Official Development Assistance (ODA) programs to strengthen IPLC forest tenure rights and capacity, but did not commit to publishing regulations or a timetable …
18
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Deferred
The due diligence system established under Schedule 17 will prohibit the use of illegally produced commodities with reference to compliance with local laws. This means that products of legal deforestation will not be within the scope of the system, unlike comparable EU legislation. This is regrettable. Only 31% of deforestation …
Government response. The government stated the FCDO is developing a business case for a follow-on 10-year forest governance programme that will have a broader remit, looking beyond timber to illegal deforestation, but did not commit to amending Schedule 17 to include legal …
19
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Deferred
We recommend that, in order to increase the sustainable use of forest-risk commodities, the Government should bring forward amendments to paragraph 2 of Schedule 17 to the Environment Act so as to prohibit UK businesses from trading or using commodities linked to deforestation activity as defined by the UN Food …
Government response. The government stated the FLEGT Post Implementation Review (PIR) will be published shortly and shared, with further analysis of lessons learned to be conducted, but did not commit to amending Schedule 17 to prohibit commodities linked to deforestation regardless of …
20
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
To be effective, the Government’s proposed approach requires the UK to work in partnership with producer countries and to reinforce (and in some cases, strengthen) their legal and policy provisions to counter deforestation. We therefore recommend that the proposed demand-side due diligence system is complemented by Government initiatives to support …
Government response. The government stated it shares responsibility for IPLC Forest Tenure Pledge commitments and detailed numerous existing UK Official Development Assistance (ODA) programmes that support IPLCs, strengthen tenure rights, and build capacity in producer countries, including future scoping missions and support …
21
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Deferred
A phased introduction of forest risk commodities misses the opportunity to set early and clear expectations that deforestation is not welcome in any UK supply chains. While the Government’s announcement that four major commodities will be brought within initial scope of the Schedule 17 regime is welcome, the failure to …
Government response. The government affirmed its commitment to upholding high environmental standards in trade agreements, its ambition to protect the environment, and its involvement in international initiatives like the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration and the FACT Dialogue, but did not address the recommendation …
22
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Deferred
We recommend that the Government’s proposals for due diligence legislation should include from the outset all forest risk commodities associated with a material UK deforestation footprint (soy, palm oil, cocoa, maize, beef and leather, rubber and coffee) rather than taking the phased approach which Ministers appear to favour. In the …
Government response. The government stated that Impact Assessments for new Free Trade Agreements have included environmental impact estimates and that research has been undertaken on assessing net gain in trade, but did not address the recommendation to include all forest-risk commodities in …
23
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
A due diligence system is likely to require companies to comply with any human rights requirement included in local land use or land ownership laws. We observe that the legal status of customary land tenure rights of indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) varies between nations. Unless customary tenure rights …
Government response. The government recognises the importance of safeguarding customary tenure rights and explains that its due diligence legislation applies where these rights are protected by national laws. It details several FCDO programmes (Land Facility, Land Enhancing Governance for Economic Development) working …
24
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted in Part
We recommend that provision be made in the due diligence system—by amendment to primary legislation, if necessary—to ensure that products are not illegally produced in relation to land use and land ownership laws, including customary tenure rights.
Government response. The government states its due diligence legislation already applies to indigenous peoples' rights where protected by national laws. It commits to supporting producer countries in enforcing and enhancing their legal frameworks for land governance and protection of communities’ land rights …
25
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Acknowledged
Schedule 17 requires the Secretary of State to evaluate the effectiveness of the due diligence system in the third year following its full entry into force. The Act requires an evaluation of the impact of the regime on deforestation activity, but does not explicitly require an evaluation of the impact …
Government response. The government acknowledges the crucial role of indigenous peoples and is exploring how the impact of the due diligence system on their human rights could be addressed within the independent evaluation of Schedule 17, while noting statutory reviews will focus …
26
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Deferred
We recommend that the statutory evaluation of the Schedule 17 due diligence system address expressly whether the due diligence system has effectively supported the human rights of indigenous peoples to land, territories and resources.
Government response. The government states that statutory reviews of Schedule 17 will primarily focus on reducing deforestation but acknowledges the importance of indigenous peoples' role. It is currently exploring how to address the recommendation regarding human rights within the independent evaluation of …
27
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Deferred
The UK financial sector is a direct and indirect contributor to financing deforestation. Financial institutions cannot meet their deforestation policies or their net zero commitments without also addressing their exposure to deforestation through the companies they finance.
Government response. The government states that guidance on applying the Schedule 17 regime to the financial sector will be published with secondary legislation, and HM Treasury will conduct a review to assess the adequacy of current regulations in eliminating illegal deforestation financing.
28
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
Information and data availability is one of the greatest challenges for financial institutions with regards to allowing them to assess and reduce their deforestation risk. We therefore welcome the Government’s championing of the work of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures. We observe that making nature-related disclosures mandatory would not …
Government response. The government commits to publishing guidance on the application of the Schedule 17 due diligence regime to the financial sector and to conducting a review of financial regulation concerning the financing of illegal deforestation.
29
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Deferred
We recommend that the Government bring forward legislation to bring businesses in the UK financial sector within the scope of the Schedule 17 regime.
Government response. The government will publish guidance on Schedule 17's application to the financial sector when secondary legislation is laid, and HM Treasury will conduct a review to assess the adequacy of current regulation and consider future changes to eliminate illegal deforestation …
30
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Acknowledged
In order to support target 15 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, we recommend that the Government bring forward proposals to legislate for mandatory 50 The UK’s contribution to tackling global deforestation disclosure of nature-related impacts by businesses, including the financial sector, on the basis of the November 2023 recommendations …
Government response. The government encourages businesses to use TNFD recommendations and will consider how best to incorporate them into UK policy and regulatory architecture, ensuring they are appropriate and beneficial for the UK context.
31
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
The UK Government has played a significant role in brokering agreements to reverse deforestation and has been influential in increasing the profile of nature at climate COPs. For the first time, many nations and significant private sector institutions have committed to action on deforestation: substantial financial commitments on deforestation have …
Government response. The government details its ongoing commitment to invest at least £1.5 billion in UK International Climate Finance for forest protection, confirming it is on track to deliver this pledge. It also highlights new funding announced at COP28, including significant support …
32
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted in Part
Decisive action must follow these commitments if the Kunming-Montreal goal of halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030 and the commitments of the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration and subsequent COP agreements are to be met. The UK must lead by example, fulfilling its pledged funding commitments, continuing its diplomatic efforts to …
Government response. The government affirms its commitment to invest at least £1.5 billion in UK International Climate Finance, demonstrating it is on track to deliver this funding pledge. It provides detailed figures on current and future forest programming, including new funding announcements …
33
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
It is encouraging to see the commitments made at COP26, COP27 and COP28 on deforestation which were accompanied by major funding commitments. Past commitments to mobilise finance for climate adaptation have not yet been fulfilled and commitments to restore nature remain relatively underfunded. In order to meet the commitments of …
Government response. The government reiterates its commitment to invest at least £1.5 billion in UK International Climate Finance for forest protection, outlining progress towards this target and detailing new funding announcements from COP28. This demonstrates its efforts to mobilise promised funding.
34
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
Whilst the Committee welcomes recent funding announcements to tackle deforestation, it is unclear whether these are in addition to the £1.5 billion previously committed to in the Global Forest Finance Pledge.
Government response. The government clarified that it remains committed to the £1.5 billion pledge, and announced £576 million in new forests programming at COP28, with £466 million of this committed for support beyond the current ICF3 period, including a £35 million uplift …
35
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
The UK Government should lead by example. We therefore welcome the recent confirmation that the UK is to maintain its flagship £11.6bn climate and nature funding pledge. The UK cannot step off the global stage in relation to its climate, nature and deforestation commitments. The Government should make it clear …
Government response. The government confirms it is on track to deliver its £1.5 billion forest funding pledge, detailing £345 million spent in 2021-23 and announcing £576 million in new programming at COP28. It also states its commitment to transparency, publishing annual progress …
36
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
It is encouraging to see the IPLC donor pledge supporting the principle of the advancement of Indigenous Peoples’ and local communities’ forest tenure rights and rewards their role as guardians of forests and nature. However, extremely little funding pledged for nature has previously supported IPLC tenure rights, and even less …
Government response. The government agrees with the committee's observation and is actively addressing the issue of direct funding for IPLCs. It details new ODA programmes that strengthen IPLC governance, including channeling £9m through the International Land and Forest Tenure Facility for direct …
37
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
We welcome the commitment of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to fund capacity building initiatives for IPLC grassroots organisations. We recommend The UK’s contribution to tackling global deforestation 51 that, in order to ensure that this funding is used to maximum effect, Ministers ensure that the greatest possible proportion …
Government response. The government agrees with the recommendation to increase direct funding to IPLC organisations. It outlines current efforts and new initiatives, including channeling £9m through the International Land and Forest Tenure Facility to provide direct grants to IPLCs, and supporting capacity …
38
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Acknowledged
We welcome the Government’s commitment to a programme to continue the work of the of the Forest Governance, Markets and Climate Programme, and the potential extension of its scope to include mining commodities.
Government response. The FCDO is currently developing the business case for a follow-on 10-year forest governance markets and climate programme, which will have a broader remit to include illegal deforestation beyond timber.
39
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
We recommend that the scope of the next phase of the Forest Governance, Markets and Climate Programme should be kept under regular review to ensure that the most significant drivers of deforestation are included.
Government response. The government has accepted the recommendation, stating that the new 10-year forest governance programme, for which a business case is being developed, will adopt a phased approach to adapt to new threats and will have a broader remit to include …
40
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
We look forward to the publication of the report of the Government’s review of the effectiveness of FLEGT-VPA programme. The evidence we have received indicates that the experience of the FLEGT-VPA varies greatly depending on the country context.
Government response. The government confirms that the FLEGT Post Implementation Review (PIR), reflecting on VPA countries and country-specific factors, provides clear conclusions and recommendations, and will be published shortly on gov.uk.
41
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted in Part
We recommend that the report of the Government review should be shared widely, including with the relevant EU authorities and Member States preparing for the successor programme to FLEGT-VPA. Lessons learned should be incorporated thoroughly into future UK programmes so as to address most effectively all deforestation activities driven by …
Government response. The government confirms the FLEGT Post Implementation Review (PIR) will be published shortly and made widely accessible, and that it reflects country-specific factors. It commits to sharing the review internally and conducting further analysis of lessons learned, but does not …
42
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) are vital protectors of forests: but they themselves are victims of the negative effects of deforestation activity, which can include violence and deprivation of livelihoods. Ensuring the full and meaningful participation of IPLCs in negotiations to address deforestation activity is therefore crucial: it is …
Government response. The government confirms its recognition of the crucial role of IPLCs and outlines extensive ongoing efforts through various ODA programmes to improve IPLC tenure rights and ensure their participation in global and national negotiations, including establishing dedicated platforms like the …
43
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
Security of tenure rights for IPLCs is essential to measures to address deforestation. The UK Government can make a significant contribution to ensuring security of tenure. We recommend that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Government response. The government highlights several existing UK ODA programmes and contributions to international funds that focus on improving IPLC tenure rights and forest security, and mentions a recent scoping mission to inform future work.
44
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
We recommend that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office continue to address measures to improve tenure rights through its development programming. Ministers must ensure that IPLCs are supported in the protection and restoration of forests: one means of achieving this objective is by promoting the inclusion of IPLC representatives in …
Government response. The government details current UK ODA programmes and contributions that aim to improve IPLC tenure rights and forest security, and highlights ongoing efforts to promote IPLC inclusion in global negotiations, such as through the FCLP platform and UNFCCC processes.
45
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
For the UK Government to make good on its declared intention to put environmental sustainability measures at the heart of global production and trade, Ministers must ensure that biodiversity considerations are more consistently incorporated into its trade agreements and operations. (Paragraph 168) 52 The UK’s contribution to tackling global deforestation
Government response. The government acknowledges the importance of working with partners, including through trade negotiations, and states it will continue to uphold high environmental standards in all trade agreements. It is working to secure provisions supporting environmental protection and aims to use …
46
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
Ending commodity-driven deforestation requires decisive action by all major consumers. While the UK and EU markets represent a relatively high proportion of global consumption of some forest risk commodities, such as cocoa and coffee, they account for a relatively small proportion of others, including soy and palm oil, compared to …
Government response. The government acknowledges the importance of working with international partners and explains its approach through trade negotiations to uphold environmental standards and address deforestation. It also highlights its leadership in the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration and the Forest, Agriculture and Commodity …
47
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Acknowledged
If the UK Government is to persuade other major consumers to act on their deforestation footprint, it is important that the UK leads by example. We recommend that Ministers use the opportunity of bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations to encourage consistently high environmental and social standards, so as to accelerate …
Government response. The government acknowledges the importance of working with partners through trade negotiations to uphold high environmental standards and address deforestation, outlining existing efforts and ambitions in this area without committing to new specific actions.
48
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted in Part
We reiterate the recommendation of our 2021 report on the UK’s footprint on global diversity: sustainability impact assessments must be conducted for all future trade agreements. Ministers must develop strategies for the effective monitoring and delivery environmental net gains, including gains through halting and reversing deforestation, in its negotiations for …
Government response. The government states that published impact assessments for new Free Trade Agreements already include environmental impacts like deforestation. However, regarding developing strategies for effective monitoring and delivery of environmental net gains, they have only undertaken research exploring its feasibility over …