3
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Heat resilience and sust…
Rejected
Nature-based solutions to climate change, such as parks, trees, water bodies and green infrastructure, have significant cooling effects as well as multiple co-benefits (for example, for health, wellbeing, air quality, flood resilience and biodiversity). Increasing the amount of green space is one of the most important tools in tackling the …
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Nature-based solutions to climate change, such as parks, trees, water bodies and green infrastructure, have significant cooling effects as well as multiple co-benefits (for example, for health, wellbeing, air quality, flood resilience and biodiversity). Increasing the amount of green space is one of the most important tools in tackling the impacts of heat, especially in urban areas. Natural England’s Green Infrastructure Framework, incorporating the Urban Greening Factor, is therefore a significant and welcome step forward in setting out how green infrastructure can be best designed and implemented; however, the framework only applies to new developments, and evidence suggests that it is not yet being put into practice at scale by local authorities.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the benefits of green infrastructure but states that primary responsibility for expanding urban green space lies with local authorities and declines to mandate the Green Infrastructure Framework. It references existing funds but rejects central intervention or mandating action.
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7
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Heat resilience and sust…
Rejected
We recommend that measures taken under Part O should be subject to post-occupancy evaluation within the first year of their installation.
Government response AI summary
The government rejected the recommendation for post-occupancy evaluation under Part O, stating there are no current plans for its inclusion. However, they are seeking feedback through a call for evidence on potential omissions or issues, which may inform future updates.
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14
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Heat resilience and sust…
Rejected
While sources of accurate, reliable and helpful guidance on dealing with extreme heat do exist, this information does not appear always to be reaching everyone who needs it, leading to avoidable health harms. We raised this issue in our 2018 Heatwaves report but little progress appears to have been made. …
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While sources of accurate, reliable and helpful guidance on dealing with extreme heat do exist, this information does not appear always to be reaching everyone who needs it, leading to avoidable health harms. We raised this issue in our 2018 Heatwaves report but little progress appears to have been made. We reiterate the recommendation from our predecessor committee’s 2018 Heatwaves report that the Government should launch a Minister-led public information campaign on the developing threat of heatwaves and their significant impact on human health and activities. This could be based on the information on the UKHSA’s Beat the Heat webpage. It should have a particular focus on vulnerable groups.
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Government response AI summary
The government rejected the recommendation to launch a new Minister-led public information campaign, arguing that general campaigns may be less effective. Instead, they highlighted ongoing significant progress in publishing guidance and coordinating existing messaging with partners, focusing on vulnerable groups and tailored communications.
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21
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Heat resilience and sust…
Rejected
We recommend that the Government appoint a lead Minister for Heat Resilience to act as a focal point and drive forward coordinated action across government departments, local government, community sector stakeholders and the private sector in this area. (Paragraph 100) A heat resilience strategy
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We recommend that the Government appoint a lead Minister for Heat Resilience to act as a focal point and drive forward coordinated action across government departments, local government, community sector stakeholders and the private sector in this area. (Paragraph 100) A heat resilience strategy
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Government response AI summary
The government rejected the recommendation to appoint a lead Minister for Heat Resilience, stating that existing Lead Government Department structures and Defra's Minister for Nature already provide the necessary coordination and oversight for climate adaptation.
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