Environment Agency and Natural England to remain separate

The Environment Agency and Natural England (NE) will remain separate entities after Defra completed its triennial review of the two bodies

However, both have been told to continue to reform how they deliver their services and drive further efficiencies.

The environment department says the review identified significant opportunities to reform the delivery of the functions and services undertaken by the agency and NE, including better integration of land management activities and consolidation of the bodies’ planning processes.

Defra also wants the organisations to develop effective partnership working, further reduce regulatory burdens and secure more reforms to back-office procedures.