Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 10
10
Not Addressed
Ensure local authorities have up-to-date plans to collectively satisfy national environmental targets
Recommendation
Local authorities must ensure they have up to date local plans and environmental and climate planning policies. When combined, all local plans and policies should satisfy national environmental targets, allowing for flexibility as to how they meet these targets between areas, in reflection of unique and local environmental characteristics. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, should work together to audit all local plans once produced to ensure that, collectively, they add up to meet national house building and biodiversity targets. (Recommendation, Paragraph 59)
Government Response Summary
The government's response addresses Natural England's role in the National Restoration Framework (NRF) and potential conflicts of interest, and does not engage with the recommendation regarding local plans, environmental policies, or a joint audit to meet national targets.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
33. The Government and Natural England recognise the importance of avoiding any perception of conflict of interest, and will continue to ensure that Natural England’s advisory and regulatory functions are objective and delivered with high degree of integrity, independently of new functions around the NRF. This will ensure that both Parliament and the public can continue to trust the advice and delivery of nature restoration. 34. The Act establishes clear roles and responsibilities for the various parties involved in the development, consideration and delivery of EDPs. As part of the implementation of the NRF, Natural England will put suitable propriety barriers in place to ensure it can act effectively as an advisory body while also being tasked with preparing and implementing EDPs, as part of the NRF. NE is considering this recommendation further and will publish a policy statement if deemed necessary.