1.2 Defra is already delivering a coordinated programme of reform that addresses the Committee’s concerns about the effectiveness, coherence and resourcing of environmental regulation. This programme brings together the implementation of recommendations from the Corry Review, the Independent Water Commission, and the internal Optimising Delivery (Hancock) Review, alongside wider government regulatory reform activity, with a focus on prioritising reforms that will deliver the greatest impact. 2.5 In addition, Defra is delivering ambitious, system-wide reforms arising from the Corry Review and the internal Optimising Delivery (Hancock) Review. These reforms prioritise action within existing legislative frameworks to promote joint working (such as LER pilots) and to strengthen culture, capability and decision-making within regulators (including through new Strategic Policy Statements for the Environment Agency and Natural England). Defra is also testing more integrated, place-based approaches through pathfinders with Mayoral Combined Authorities and protected landscape organisations. 3.2 Natural England has assigned a Chief Officer with responsibility for Digital and Data who is leading further development of Natural England's digital and data capability and capacity in collaboration with the Digital Data Technology Security (DDTS) corporate service in Defra. 3.6 With regard to planning, Defra received £100 million across Spending Review 2025, part of which will fund a cross-Defra digital planning reform programme. The programme focuses on end-to-end service improvements across Natural England, the Environment Agency and the Forestry Commission. Key investment areas are: • Casework management: building modern aligned casework management systems cross- group. • Data: building a common data model cross-group to facilitate joined-up working. • Geospatial mapping capability and data alignment. • Online guidance and a single front door. 3.8 Defra continues to invest in its wider digital technology to provide excellent customer services, deliver savings and efficiencies in its operations and keep core IT services operational and secure. Defra’s digital and technology spend for 2026-27 totals approximately £860 million. Of this, approximately £460 million is earmarked for digital transformation to provide excellent customer-centric services. A significant amount of this transformation investment is being directed towards Defra’s regulatory activities, for example: • £5.2 million for a new digital service for the Nature Restoration Fund.