Recommendation 24

The Environment Agency conceded that a lot of guidance is confusing, difficult to follow, and should be revised.61 It described how it had worked to improve how it engages with farmers, such as issuing additional guidance on preparing for an inspection, including video-based guidance and face-to- face discussions through tours of farming communities.62 The Environment Agency told us it is reviewing whether the lowest risk category 1 and 2 permits could be replaced by an automatic registration system which would reduce the need for advice and guidance and could reduce the number of permits it issues by 10%.63 Defra told us that the Department for Business and Trade has started a review on the clarity of guidance available to businesses.64 Defra stated that it has identified the 10 most-used pieces of guidance and revised five of them.65