Environment Act 2021 Implementation 2021-12-09
2021-12-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The question arises from the progress made on implementing provisions of the Environment Act 2021.
What recent progress has been made on implementing the provisions of the Environment Act 2021?
Work on implementing the Environment Act is well under way. We have started developing legally binding environmental targets, consulted on measures to reform waste management, published a draft principles policy statement and a consultation on due diligence in supply chains. The Office for Environmental Protection has been legally established.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The question concerns the implementation of measures to limit storm overflows by private water companies.
How is the Secretary of State working with private companies to implement measures on limiting storm overflows?
We have made it clear to water companies that they must significantly reduce sewage discharges from storm overflows as a priority. We have set out that expectation through the strategic policy statement for Ofwat; we have also taken action to place it on a legislative footing in the Environment Act.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question explores the possibility of subsidizing hemp growth to promote environmentally friendly products and support farmers.
Has the Government looked at the possibility of subsidising the growth of hemp, which allows us to make environmentally friendly cloth and biodegradable plastics and is a very good break crop for farmers to incorporate?
I know that there are the benefits he mentions from growing hemp. Licenses for medical hemp is an issue led by the Home Office, but it is an interesting crop; more people are starting to look at it and grow it. The hon. Gentleman raises an important point.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific subsidies or government backing not addressed.
Licenses For Medical Hemp Is Led By The Home Office
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The question concerns whether biodiversity net gain will apply to existing planning applications.
Will the Secretary of State ensure that the obligation on developers for biodiversity net gain applies to planning applications already in the pipeline, not just new applications?
My hon. Friend makes an important point. Biodiversity net gain will be an important policy tool to support work in local nature recovery strategies and make space for nature in new developments. On his point about timing, I think the measure will take effect in 2023 and will apply at that point to applications going for determination when it is active.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question addresses the rise in fly-tipping and enforcement actions due to staff and resource shortages.
Fly-tipping incidents increased by 16% to March this year. The number of enforcement actions has decreased because of a lack of staff and resources. How does the Secretary of State think that the implementation of the Environment Act will ever improve those figures and clean up our country?
As the hon. Lady will know, we have a significant number of staff—more than 10,000—in the Environment Agency. Waste crime and fly-tipping have been a priority for them, and a number of successful prosecutions have been brought.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific improvements due to the Environment Act not addressed.
Response accuracy