In its Biomass Strategy, published in August 2023, DESNZ committed to develop and consult on a common sustainability framework which could be applied to all new future biomass schemes across different sectors of the economy. This consultation has yet to be launched, although DESNZ assured us that it would happen at some point in 2025.25 The strategy also committed DESNZ to consider whether it should strengthen the land criteria in its support schemes so that 100% of woody biomass would have to be sustainably sourced, rather than the 70% stipulated by the existing government support schemes.26 DESNZ and Ofgem both agree that if the threshold for sustainable biomass moved from 70% to 100%, then the assurance regime would also need to be tighter.27 Any changes will have resource implications for Ofgem. It assured that it could gear up with the necessary skills, “subject [to support from] DESNZ and Treasury “.28 The NAO’s experience of auditing other areas of government highlights how gaining assurance over more stringent rules requires a commitment of more resources to monitoring and compliance.29 19 Q 13 20 Q 13 21 Q 14 22 Qq 18–19 23 Q 18 24 Qq 18–19 25 Q 8 26 C&AG’s Report, para 11 27 Qq 14, 20 28 Q 15 29 C&AG’s Report, para 11 11