Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Conflicting roles for Natural England in EDPs and Nature Restoration Fund raise conflict of interest concerns.
Conclusion
Considering the conflicting roles Natural England (NE) are expected to play in developing, delivering and assessing Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs) and the Nature Restoration Fund, we are concerned about the potential for either a real, or a perception of, a conflict of interest. We do not doubt the earnestness and expertise with which NE staff will seek to deliver EDPs, 88 but nevertheless it is essential that robust safeguards are in place to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the regulatory process. (Conclusion, Paragraph 84)
Government Response
A response document is linked to this report, dated 13 March 2026. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document ↗