Recommendation 12

The Environment Agency and Natural England have a key role to play in delivering government’s environmental goals. Natural England confirmed that it has had its budget reduced by almost half in recent years which has affected its ability to meet demand for its services and deliver its work.31 As a result of this, it had discussions with the Department and received a 10% increase in grant in aid in 2019–20 to help it focus on getting ready for new duties under the Environment Bill, and to help ensure that it could carry out day-to-day responsibilities. It is hopeful that the increase in the Department’s budget, and particularly in areas that Natural England will be involved in, will similarly lead to a funding increase in 2020–21.32 The Environment Agency told us that its budget has also been under heavy pressure, and though it is not yet sure what its settlement from the Department will be for 2020–21, it remains committed to doing the best with the money it has. But it noted that, ultimately, “we will get the environment that we are prepared to pay for”.33