Conclusion 9

Defra already has challenges and pressures over the next few years and has potentially substantial further forthcoming change. Defra assured us that it was able to take on the challenges and that it had the skills and resources to lead these changes.16 Defra will need to prove that it does have the skills and resources to deliver the scale of regulatory change that the country needs. This is particularly challenging as some regulations and objectives are in competition, such as prioritising water quality as opposed to food production. Defra told us it was pleased with the progress it has made since the NAO report from 2023 on reviewing and revising existing regulations, but recognised that improving the regulatory system will be an ongoing endeavour.17 However, the scale of change required is substantial, and Defra and the regulators are not meeting even current demands effectively.18 Written evidence we received, in particular from Arbtech, an ecological consultancy, raised concerns about the capacity and capability of the environmental regulators to deliver their existing commitments, as well as to perform new duties.19 11 Q 4 12 Q 8 13 Qq 2-3 and 5 14 Q 3 15 Q 44 16 Q 7 17 Qq 19 and 43 18 Qq 3 and 9 19 Arbtech (ENR0011) 10 Defining what regulation should achieve and how