I promised here to say more the future of England’s statutory agencies.
Sorry that it has taken a while for me to return to this topic – I have been distracted by the EU Budget and my trip to Brussels where we were celebrating the success of our EU funded wildlife friendly farming project. Local communities working with farmers to help recover farmland wildlife. The importance of incentives to help farmers do more for wildlife came through loud and clear. I hope that Heads of State take note before the EU Budget talks recommence in January.
Back to the agencies. Natural England, Environment Agency and we now hear Joint Nature Conservation Committee are being reviewed. I have no problem with this, provided that the results help the government do more for the natural environment.
On Tuesday, Environment Secretary, Owen Paterson repeated the laudable ambition that this would be the first generation to pass on the natural environment in a better state to the next. Good - this remains the right ambition.
The agencies have a critical role to play in helping the Government meet its commitments in the Natural Environment White Paper and the Water White Paper, and the Triennial Review must enhance their ability to do so.
But this review is taking place against a backdrop of floods, ash die-back and real threats to the future of funding to support wildlife-friendly farming.
At a time of crisis, the benefits of any reorganisation must outweigh the inevitable cost and disruption that a merger would create.
With this in mind, the RSPB, with others have issued to Defra some tests against which we will assess the proposals and outcomes of this review:
1) Is there an independent champion of the natural environment, with a clear focus on its restoration and protection? [Is there a body whose primary purpose is to think, speak and act for nature?]2) Are the Agencies free to inform evidence-based policy and aid its implementation, based on sound science? [Can they gather and use the most up to date information about the state of nature to inform policy?]3) Do the Agencies have the necessary resources, capacity and technical expertise to protect and enhance the natural environment? [Do they have what they need to do their job?]4) Can the Agencies provide effective, co-ordinated place-based delivery of conservation objectives, alongside non-governmental organisations? [Can they work with others to help wildlife recover across landscapes?]5) Can the Agencies effectively carry out their regulatory functions? [Are they able to uphold the law?]
Next week (taking time out for the Chancellor's autumn statement), I’ll focus on each of these tests and try to bring to life what they mean in practice.
In the meantime, do you agree with these tests? Are there others you would add?
It would be great to hear your views.
Fair point, Redkite. I've tried to turn the tests into plain English. Hope that helps.