UK environmental policy digest - April

Asim Ali, IEMA’s Public Affairs Officer, examines the UK Government's policy announcements from April and how they affect the goals of decarbonisation and environmental sustainability. This blog post is part of a monthly series that also reflects on the activity of relevant select committees and all-party parliamentary groups.

Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

The Government has announced plans to allocate up to £11 million from fines imposed on water companies to establish a new Water Restoration Fund (WRF). Since April 2022, all environmental fines and penalties imposed on water companies have been set aside to directly enhance the water environment.

The Water Restoration Fund will provide competitive grant funding to support local groups, farmers, landowners, and community-led initiatives, enhancing their capacity for on-the-ground projects aimed at improving the water environment.

The government has also launched a £1.6 million fund to aid groups of farmers in exploring improved water management practices, particularly during times of drought to safeguard food security.

In a move aimed at tackling plastic pollution and safeguarding waterways, the Government aims to introduce legislation to prohibit the supply and sale of wet wipes containing plastic.

Department of Energy Security and Net Zero

The Net Zero Council is calling for action to further drive decarbonisation efforts across various sectors. The Council is committed to fostering economic growth by advancing greener practices while ensuring that British businesses can capitalise on the clean energy transition.

New protections are being proposed to empower consumers to access more affordable energy deals and gain confidence in utilising smart devices. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernise the energy system. The proposed measures aim to alleviate pressure on the electricity grid, create up to 24,000 jobs, and potentially save up to £50 billion.

An open call for evidence has been issued to gather insights and evidence on the barriers hindering community energy projects. This includes projects such as solar panels, wind farms, rural heat networks, and electric vehicle charging points. The call for evidence seeks to identify challenges and explore potential solutions to promote the growth of community energy projects. The call for evidence closes on 30th June.

Furthermore, an open consultation is underway to gather feedback on new standards for energy smart appliances and organisations providing demand-side response services or remotely controlling electrical load. This consultation closes on 11th June.

All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG)

Environment APPG

As discussed in last month’s blog, the Environment APPG’s session with Education Minister Baroness Barran has now been scheduled for 15th May. The session will explore education and skills in an environmental crisis.