Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 23
23
Not Addressed
Prepare comprehensive regulatory assessment for the Nature Restoration Fund before PIB Part 3 enactment.
Recommendation
Given the weak impact assessment of the NRF, we ask the Government to prepare a regulatory assessment of the NRF, if and when it is adopted. This assessment should be completed before Part 3 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill (PIB) is brought into force and should set out details of how it is to be implemented, such as timelines and actions to be taken by relevant stakeholders. We encourage the OEP to monitor and regularly report on the implementation of the PIB once in statute, including on 89 how successful it is at safeguarding protected habitats and species, the application of the overall improvement test, compliance with the EPPS Duty and the non-regression statement on the face of the Bill. (Recommendation, Paragraph 91)
Government Response Summary
The government's response discusses updating guidance on carbon accounting and states it is not currently considering the RICS methodology for whole-life carbon assessments. It does not address the committee's specific request for a regulatory assessment of the NRF or OEP monitoring of the PIB.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
71. In our response to the 2024 consultation on reforms to the NPPF, which sought views on the implementation of carbon accounting through the planning system, we recognised that both local authorities and developers would benefit from clearer guidance on the use of appropriate carbon accounting tools. We therefore announced our intention to update Planning Practice Guidance to assist local authorities in considering carbon emissions within the plan-making process, and to support developers in using carbon accounting to reduce carbon emissions as part of their development proposals. The scope and content of the updated guidance is under development and will be published in due course. 72. The Government is not currently considering adopting the RICS methodology as the UK industry standard for whole-life carbon assessments. However, we acknowledge this recommendation and will keep it under review.