Environmental policy funding

#43 —

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: The Environment Agency in England should be undertaking stronger enforcement activity and should be actively collecting data and information to estimate the actual quantities of E-waste being exported illegally. (Paragraph 161) 66 Electronic Waste and the Circular Economy

Gov response: The Environment Agency takes an intelligence-based approach to its compliance and enforcement work so it can target resources most effectively at improving compliance and targeting illegal activity. The Environment Agency collects data and intelligence and …

Not Addressed

#41 —

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: However, due to the serious impact of E-waste on human health and the environment, both here and overseas, and the sheer quantity potentially being exported illegally, the Environment Agency should deem all electrical and electronic exports as risky and in …

Gov response: We agree with the Committee about the serious impact of illegal e-waste exports. The Government and the Environment Agency are both well aware of the devastating consequences on environmental and human health where e-waste is …

Not Addressed

#38 —

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: Increasing resource productivity by reducing the amount of resource that is extracted to make new products will be crucial to reducing the damaging impact of extractive industries on the environment and safeguarding scarce resources that are vital to a low-carbon …

Gov response: The Government notes the importance of stimulating the use of more recycled materials in products and is considering a range of policy options to achieve this ambition. Under existing Ecodesign powers, the Government is able …

Not Addressed

#28 —

Treasury Committee

Recommendation: The Government should develop a tax strategy to meet net zero. This should include tax measures to incentivise the behavioural changes needed to achieve net zero while at the same time providing short term support in the tax system for …

No Published Response

#15 —

Public Accounts Committee

Recommendation: Limiting global temperature rises to reduce the climate change impacts will require a global reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The net zero target applies to emissions generated in the UK and does not include emissions generated in the production of …

Gov response: 4: PAC conclusion: Government does not have a clear way of determining whether its actions to reduce emissions in the UK are transferring emissions to other countries. 4: PAC recommendation: The Department should review how …

Under Consideration

#28 —

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: In the next multi-annual spending review, we recommend that Natural England receive a materially greater contribution in annual funding, in line with its 2020 Comprehensive Spending Review bid.

Gov response: As set out in the government response to the PAC, at spending reviews, departments are required to assess the costs and benefits of their proposals—including climate and environmental impacts—following the framework set out in the …

Under Consideration

#27 —

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: The Government increased Natural England’s baseline funding by £11.3 million in in 2020–21 and has committed to increasing this by a further £75 million. Whilst 118 Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust? the funding increase is welcome, it does …

Gov response: The UK is already demonstrating global leadership in driving forward natural capital approaches as a means to transition to a nature-positive economy and was pleased to use its recent role as G7 President to secure …

Under Consideration

#26 —

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: Between 2013–14 to 2019–20 Natural England’s baseline funding reduced by 49 per cent. The body considers that it can no longer deliver its statutory duties to a good standard as a direct consequence of these cuts. The cuts have fallen …

Gov response: Gross Domestic Product (GDP) remains one of our most important economic indicators. GDP has tended to be closely correlated with employment, incomes and tax receipts making it useful for the government and Bank of England …

Under Consideration

#23 —

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: We recommend that the Government urgently review the funding allocated to bodies with responsibility for monitoring, protecting and increasing levels of biodiversity in England, consistent with its goals for nature recovery under the 25 Year Environment Plan. In the next …

Gov response: (23a) The challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss require a global response, to which all countries need to contribute. This means that there needs to be a mix of measures that address a wide …

Under Consideration

#22 —

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: To deliver the Government’s environmental vision to improve the environment within a generation, arm’s length bodies and departments need to have the funding to do so. Budget cuts to biodiversity expenditure over the last decade have hindered this.

Gov response: Planning policy is devolved in the UK and the question and answer below relates to policies in England. (22a) Establishing a Nature Recovery Network (NRN)—an expanded and better connected network of places that are richer …

Accepted

#73 —

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: We recommend that the level of financial support provided to the Environment Agency be reviewed as a matter of urgency in the light of its new statutory responsibilities and the scale of the regulatory task it faces, recognising its continued …

Gov response: Through the Comprehensive Spending Review in November 2021 and subsequent budget determination process, Defra has reviewed the Environment Agency’s Grant-in-Aid water quality budget. The department has made significant increases to the Environment Agency’s budget for …

Not Addressed

#72 —

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: Delivering the step change in action on water quality that is demanded will require DEFRA to set a strong strategic direction and clear targets. Regulators must be empowered and funded adequately to implement and enforce the relevant provisions of the …

Gov response: Through the Comprehensive Spending Review in November 2021 and subsequent budget determination process, Defra has reviewed the Environment Agency’s Grant-in-Aid water quality budget. The department has made significant increases to the Environment Agency’s budget for …

Not Addressed

#35 —

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: We note that the Environment Agency does not consider any use of storm overflows to be a pollution incident: discharges from overflows are classed as permitted discharges as long as they comply with the terms of the relevant permit. This …

Gov response: The Department for Transport and National Highways agree that a level of increased ambition and delivery in this area should be supported and we will examine the feasibility of using existing funds in the current …

Under Consideration

#29 —

Public Accounts Committee

Recommendation: In addition to direct costs to the Exchequer of achieving net zero, HM Treasury also recognises the impact of behaviour change reducing tax revenues. Revenues from Fuel Duty and Vehicle Excise Duty amounted to £37 billion in 2019–20, and if …

Gov response: 1.1 The government disagrees with the Committee’s recommendation. 1.2 The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (the department) and HM Treasury will write to the Committee by Autumn 2022 setting out the processes for …

Not Accepted

#32 — Develop new funding systems for Environment Agency compliance monitoring and site visits.

Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee

Recommendation: More monitoring will mean that these agencies need to be fully resourced. In the case of the Environment Agency, where funding for monitoring usually comes via the Environmental Permitting regulations, the Department needs to come up with ways of driving …

Gov response: We agree that advice-led approaches help tackle soil damage by poaching of livestock and risks from soil erosion and compaction. Enforcement action will only be taken when advice isn’t acted on or pollution incidents occur. …

Not Addressed

#25 — Launch net zero ports consultation immediately to plan infrastructure, funding, and electrification requirements.

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: We recommend that Ministers launch their planned consultation on net zero ports without further delay, so as to gather signals from the ports industry and the wider maritime sector at the earliest opportunity as to what infrastructure is likely to …

Gov response: The Government accepts this recommendation. The Government is considering options on a call for evidence alongside its plan for the decarbonising the domestic maritime sector. It is important to understand and collate evidence on what …

Partially Accepted

#17 — Consult on introducing a revenue support mechanism to incentivise UK zero-emission marine fuel production.

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: We recommend that Ministers consult on the introduction of a revenue support mechanism to incentivise the commercial production of zero-emission marine fuels in the UK. (Paragraph 139) Technical measures to decarbonise shipping: efficiency improvements

Gov response: The Government notes this recommendation. The Government recognises the need for availability and supply of low carbon, and zero and near-zero GHG fuels for the maritime sector. Given the globally traded market for maritime fuels, …

Not Addressed

#16 — Develop strategy and delivery plan for zero-emission marine fuel manufacturing facilities in UK clusters.

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: As part of the updated Clean Maritime Plan the Government must develop a strategy to support the development in UK maritime clusters of facilities for the manufacture of zero-emission marine fuels. This strategy must be supported by a delivery plan …

Gov response: The Government notes this recommendation. The Government has a pipeline of committed low carbon hydrogen projects and is actively exploring ways to supply some of this hydrogen to shipping, either as hydrogen or as hydrogen …

Not Addressed

#14 — Government's failure to commit to zero-emission marine fuel manufacturing facilities is disappointing.

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: As with low-carbon aviation fuel, the development of manufacturing capacity for zero-emission marine fuels is vital for the security of the UK’s maritime trade and for the establishment of green shipping corridors. It is disappointing that the Government says it …

Gov response: The Government notes this recommendation. The Government has a pipeline of committed low carbon hydrogen projects and is actively exploring ways to supply some of this hydrogen to shipping, either as hydrogen or as hydrogen …

Accepted

#13 — Review and commit to further matching funding for UK shipping decarbonisation research until 2030.

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: The Government must send clear and unambiguous signals to the UK maritime sector that it is committed to supporting its transition to net zero. We recommend that Ministers urgently review the funding perspectives for decarbonisation of UK shipping and, no …

Gov response: The Government partially accepts this recommendation. We recognise further research and development will be required to accelerate the development of the fuels and technologies required to decarbonise the sector. We have also heard calls from …

Partially Accepted

#12 — Failure to guarantee long-term funding for maritime decarbonisation research risks stifling progress.

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: The Government’s current refusal to guarantee funding for research and development into maritime decarbonisation beyond March 2025 is regrettable. We note that the Aviation Technology Institute has received a guarantee of funding to 2030, no doubt reflecting the importance to …

Gov response: The Government partially accepts this recommendation. We recognise further research and development will be required to accelerate the development of the fuels and technologies required to decarbonise the sector. We have also heard calls from …

Not Addressed

#11 — Shipping decarbonisation research funding dwarfed by aviation technology investment.

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: The provision of up to £206 million of matching funding for research into low- and zero-emission shipping is to be applauded, and no doubt represents a step change in Government investment in the field. It is, however, dwarfed by the …

Gov response: The Government partially accepts this recommendation. We recognise further research and development will be required to accelerate the development of the fuels and technologies required to decarbonise the sector. We have also heard calls from …

Not Addressed

#26 — HS2 Ltd fails to monitor total spending on environmental mitigation schemes.

Public Accounts Committee

Recommendation: HS2 Ltd does not monitor how much in total it spends on environmental mitigation. For example, we asked HS2 Ltd how much it was spending on wildlife migration schemes such as for the great crested newt at Halse Copse. In …

Gov response: 4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Summer 2025 4.2 The department intends to provide the Committee with a preliminary response in its letter to the Committee before the Summer recess …

Not Addressed

#25 — Bat protection structure increased specific railway section costs from £73 million to £168 million.

Public Accounts Committee

Recommendation: In follow–up evidence, the Department confirmed that the total cost of building the structure will be £95 million (in 2019 prices). The Department also reported that the cost of building that section of the railway, irrespective of any mitigation works, …

Gov response: 4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Summer 2025 4.2 The department intends to provide the Committee with a preliminary response in its letter to the Committee before the Summer recess …

Not Addressed

#24 — Department and HS2 Ltd recognise need for improved balance between environmental compliance and cost.

Public Accounts Committee

Recommendation: The Department strongly agreed, however, about how the balance between compliance and cost should be considered when delivering national infrastructure in the future.41 HS2 Ltd also recognised that it was a complex issue and a sensitive area, telling us that …

Gov response: 4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Summer 2025 4.2 The department intends to provide the Committee with a preliminary response in its letter to the Committee before the Summer recess …

Not Addressed

#23 — HS2 Ltd concluded £95m bat tunnel was most efficient option after considering 15 alternatives.

Public Accounts Committee

Recommendation: HS2 Ltd confirmed that it was its decision to build the structure and not one required by Natural England. However, the Department and HS2 Ltd told us that, despite its cost, that they had concluded the ‘tunnel’ structure was the …

Gov response: 4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Summer 2025 4.2 The department intends to provide the Committee with a preliminary response in its letter to the Committee before the Summer recess …

Not Addressed

#22 — Ensure environmental legislation requirements do not disproportionately increase major public infrastructure project costs.

Public Accounts Committee

Recommendation: We challenged the Department on the balance in legislation that needs to be taken between meeting environmental obligations and costs, raising the example of the £100 million cost of a protective ‘bat tunnel’.36 In order to mitigate HS2’s impact on …

Gov response: 4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Summer 2025 4.2 The department intends to provide the Committee with a preliminary response in its letter to the Committee before the Summer recess …

Not Addressed

#4 — Assess new nature restoration fund's impact using HS2 bat tunnel case study

Public Accounts Committee

Recommendation: HS2 Ltd’s efforts to reduce the environmental impact of HS2 are not delivering value for money, with the c.£100 million cost of a protective ‘bat tunnel’ more than doubling the cost of that section of railway alone. The Committee does …

Gov response: The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. letter to the Committee before the Summer recess begins in July 2025. The proposed measures in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill which would inform a re-assessment of this …

Accepted

#19 — Publish urgent plans for investing revenues from BNG credit sales

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: We are concerned to note that the Government has not yet published full details of its approach to the investment of revenues from the sale of BNG credits. The Government must demonstrate that it is committed to this approach to …

Gov response: In March 2025 we published our first annual BNG statutory credits report setting out the revenue received through the sale of credits. Demand for credits has been relatively low, reflecting the early stages of the …

Not Addressed

#6 — Taxpayer purchase of ecosystem services alone is insufficient for required scale of nature recovery.

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: Taxpayer purchase of ecosystem services alone is no longer a sufficient mechanism to deliver the overall improvement in ecosystem services necessary for the scale of nature recovery required. (Conclusion, Paragraph 49)

Gov response: The Land Use Consultation set out the importance of more land becoming multifunctional, delivering both food production and increased nature and climate benefits. The scale of action needed to deliver our climate and nature objectives …

Accepted

#18 — Expand Highly Protected Marine Areas network to 10% of UK waters by 2030, publishing designation plan.

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: We urge the Government to expand the network of Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMA) to 10% of UK waters by 2030 to meet 30by30 targets, based on the evidence of their effectiveness in enabling marine nature recovery. The Marine Recovery …

Gov response: Marine protection is a devolved responsibility, and this response covers the Secretary of State waters only. This Government is taking action to protect our MPAs and enable marine nature recovery. Defra recognises that marine ecosystems …

Not Accepted

#16 — Reinstate DEFRA funding for sustained long-term data collection and monitoring at Lyme Bay.

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: We recommend that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) reinstates funding to ensure the long-term data collection and monitoring at Lyme Bay is sustained to enable scientific analysis of the benefits of whole-site approaches for marine protection. …

Gov response: The Government agrees that the research at Lyme Bay is highly valuable, and Defra is in discussion with Natural England (NE) to continue the long-term monitoring of Lyme Bay. Lyme Bay is an important site …

Not Addressed

#15 — Cessation of funding for Lyme Bay undermines crucial long-term marine data collection.

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: Long-term data collection is critical to scientific analysis of the effectiveness of marine protection measures such as whole-site protections and their impact on ecosystem recovery. We are concerned that funding for Lyme Bay has stopped, and this will lead to …

Gov response: The Government agrees that the research at Lyme Bay is highly valuable, and Defra is in discussion with Natural England (NE) to continue the long-term monitoring of Lyme Bay. Lyme Bay is an important site …

Accepted

#12 — Publish a plan for a just transition for marine sectors impacted by changes

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: The Government should publish a plan to secure a just transition for those affected by changes through targeted support, skills development, identification of long-term opportunities and associated funding. The support should reflect both traditional and emerging marine sectors, to ensure …

Gov response: In January 2025, as part of a Written Statement on the Marine Environment, the Government recognised that accelerating development of marine activities is increasing marine spatial tensions. Government has committed to work with the industry …

Partially Accepted

#69 — Establish long-term funding for Antarctica InSync to ensure UK participation and leadership.

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: We recognise the importance of the Antarctica InSync programme, where 26 nations will collaborate during the 2028–29 Antarctic season to conduct synchronous climate measurements across land, sea, air, and space, with results presented during the International Polar Year in 2032–33. …

Gov response: The Government partially accepts this recommendation. 90. NERC is considering how the UK research community can best participate in the Antarctica InSync programme to maximise the outcomes of the initiative. NERC research institutes, including the …

Partially Accepted

#64 — Secure long-term access to satellite data for Antarctic research via international agreements.

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: The UK Government should secure long-term access to high-quality satellite data by maintaining participation in European programmes beyond 2027 and expanding data-sharing agreements. Additionally, funding mechanisms 105 should be established to support researchers in accessing commercial satellite imagery, ensuring equitable …

Gov response: . The Government accepts this recommendation.

Accepted

#61 — Increase funding envelope to cover 20% grant cost gap for British Antarctic Survey.

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: We note that the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), in common with other UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) research institutes, currently receives only 80% of its grant costs, compared to universities which receive full funding based on the Full Economic Cost …

Gov response: . The Government accepts this recommendation.

Accepted

#59 — Insufficient funding undermines UK's world-leading polar research capabilities and impact.

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: The UK must be properly equipped to address the major research priorities in the polar regions. Antarctic research plays a critical role in advancing global understanding of climate change, ocean systems, and polar ecosystems, issues that affect lives and economies …

Gov response: The Government partially accepts this recommendation. 71. On 19th May, DSIT published guidance to support decision making in departments and arms-length bodies (ALBs) considering awarding ten-year, or other long-term duration, funding to key R&D activities …

Partially Accepted

#28 — Safeguard the Blue Belt Programme's long-term future with sustained funding for science and enforcement.

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: The Government should safeguard the long-term future of the Blue Belt Programme by committing to sustained funding through the Official Development Assistance budget or alternative mechanisms. Particular focus should be given to supporting science, monitoring, and enforcement in the South …

Gov response: The Government accepts this recommendation. 38. The Blue Belt Programme provides support for marine protection and sustainable management to both ODA and non-ODA eligible Territories. For 20

Accepted

#26 — Increase long-term funding for British Antarctic Survey terrestrial biodiversity research and ecological specialists.

Environmental Audit Committee

Recommendation: To address this urgent gap, the Government should increase long-term core funding to the British Antarctic Survey to support its terrestrial biodiversity research. Investment should prioritise the recruitment, training, and retention of ecological specialists, ensuring sustained expertise in Antarctic terrestrial …

Gov response: The Government partially accepts this recommendation. 32. Historically, the study of terrestrial ecosystems was a major focus of all Antarctic research programmes since it was a readily accessible environment for science expeditions. With the advent …

Partially Accepted

#42 — Defra and Ofwat developing water industry investment plan to reduce storm overflows and upgrade treatment works.

Public Accounts Committee

Recommendation: Defra and Ofwat have been working together to determine an investment plan for the water industry, setting expectations to reduce the number of storm overflows by 45% compared with 2021 and to upgrade over 1,700 water treatment works. Defra expects …

Gov response: 8.1 The department agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Autumn 2027 8.2 The Independent Water Commission, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe, published its report on 21 July 2025. It recommends making public health …

Accepted

#41 — Wastewater management primarily viewed as an environmental issue, hindering public health approach to AMR.

Public Accounts Committee

Recommendation: We asked DHSC and VMD if they were concerned about the dumping of sewage.105 DHSC noted that there are a lot of storm overflows and that these are one of the main routes by which resistant pathogens get into waterways. …

Gov response: 8.1 The department agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Autumn 2027 8.2 The Independent Water Commission, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe, published its report on 21 July 2025. It recommends making public health …

Accepted

#40 — The 2019–24 NAP demonstrated limited ambition and insufficient action on AMR in wastewater.

Public Accounts Committee

Recommendation: The 2019–24 NAP contained limited ambitions regarding AMR and the environment, although it was based on a ‘One Health’ approach. An independent evaluation of the 2019–24 NAP by the Policy Innovation and Research Unit was particularly critical of the UK’s …

Gov response: 8.1 The department agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Autumn 2027 8.2 The Independent Water Commission, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe, published its report on 21 July 2025. It recommends making public health …

Accepted

#39 — Increasing untreated sewage spills from storm overflows exacerbate antimicrobial resistance, posing serious public health concerns.

Public Accounts Committee

Recommendation: Storm overflow valves are designed to release water from the sewer network into watercourses and the sea when the volume of water is too high for the system.100 In 2016, 862 storm overflow sites were monitored for spills of untreated …

Gov response: 8.1 The department agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Autumn 2027 8.2 The Independent Water Commission, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe, published its report on 21 July 2025. It recommends making public health …

Accepted

#38 — Contamination from wastewater and sewage significantly increases AMR pathogen levels in waterways.

Public Accounts Committee

Recommendation: Wastewater is water that has been affected by domestic, commercial or industrial activities, as well as agricultural run-off and hospital waste.96 Sewage is wastewater that contains human waste. Sewage discharges are the release of raw, untreated sewage into waterways such …

Gov response: 8.1 The department agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Autumn 2027 8.2 The Independent Water Commission, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe, published its report on 21 July 2025. It recommends making public health …

Accepted

#34 — Ensure sufficient resourcing, prioritisation, and implementation focus for scientific AMR research globally.

Public Accounts Committee

Recommendation: Several organisations carry out research on AMR, including DHSC and UKHSA who are responsible for funding some of this research, for example through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) which reported that it funded £88 million of …

Gov response: 6.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 6.2 The government is committed to ensuring evidence informs AMR policy, through providing research funding aligned with the NAP top 10 research priorities, collaborating on …

Accepted

#8 — Require Defra to set public health goals for wastewater and conduct more research

Public Accounts Committee

Recommendation: Mismanagement of wastewater and sewage is a serious public health concern and heightens the threat of AMR. Storm overflows involve sewage getting into waterways such as rivers. They increase the prevalence and diversity of resistant pathogens in the environment and …

Gov response: The department agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. on 21 July 2025. It recommends making public health a statutory objective for water companies and highlights their role in tackling antimicrobial resistance through better wastewater management. It …

Accepted

#21 — Under-equipped and underfunded regulators lead to insufficient monitoring and enforcement of water companies.

Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee

Recommendation: We support the Commission’s focus on creating a better regulatory framework, however a good framework is nothing without well-equipped regulators to act against bad actors and poor behaviours. Without clearer information and standards, it is difficult to have faith that …

Response Pending

#17 — Work urgently with UK bioethanol industry to protect domestic production capacity and supply chains.

Business and Trade Committee

Recommendation: We recommend that the Government continue to work urgently with the remaining UK bioethanol industry to co-design appropriate support measures. These should protect domestic production capacity and associated supply chains while medium-term supply side policies take effect. (Recommendation, Paragraph 99) …

Gov response: DBT officials are continuing to work closely with other government departments, including the Department for Transport and the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, to monitor and assess risks across the supply chain.

Not Addressed

#16 — Government unable to prevent Vivergo plant closure, impacting bioethanol production capacity.

Business and Trade Committee

Recommendation: We were disappointed to hear that the Government were unable to provide support to the bioethanol industry to prevent the closure of the Vivergo plant. This has already had a substantial impact on domestic production capacity of bioethanol, associated supply …

Gov response: DBT officials are continuing to work closely with other government departments, including the Department for Transport and the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, to monitor and assess risks across the supply chain.

Not Addressed