Asim Ali, IEMA’s Senior Public Affairs Officer, examines the UK Government's policy announcements from March 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 APPGs.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Government Funding for Rural Communities Set Out 

Up to £38 million in funding will support rural communities, with £33 million allocated to the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). The funding aims to enhance local infrastructure, support rural businesses, and create jobs.  

Better Alerts to Make Air Quality Part of Everyday Conversation 

A government review highlights the need to improve public awareness of air pollution and its health risks. While the UK has strong monitoring systems, the review calls for clearer communication and better access to information, particularly for vulnerable groups. 

Record Farmers in SFI Schemes as Government Allocates Sustainable Farming Budget 

More than 50,000 farm businesses are benefiting from sustainable farming schemes, with record funding allocated through the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).  

Government to Plant First National Forest in 30 Years 

A new national forest, the Western Forest, will see 20 million trees planted across the West of England by 2050. Covering Bristol, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and Somerset, the initiative aims to expand woodland areas, improve biodiversity, and provide green spaces for communities. 

Meeting of Major Landowners to Boost Nature's Recovery 

Landowners from public, private, and third sectors have met to discuss strategies for sustainable land management. The initiative is part of efforts to meet Environment Act targets, protect biodiversity, and ensure land use supports both conservation and economic growth. 

Tony Juniper CBE Reappointed as Natural England Chair 

Tony Juniper has been reappointed for a third term as Chair of Natural England. His leadership will continue to focus on protecting the environment while supporting economic growth, as part of ongoing government reforms. 

New Nature Finance Standards Launched to Encourage Green Investment 

The UK has introduced world-leading finance standards to guide investment in nature recovery. These standards aim to ensure high-quality, impactful environmental projects, prevent greenwashing, and attract more private sector investment into conservation efforts. 

Reed Pledges to “End Throwaway Society” with Business Collaboration 

Environment Secretary Steve Reed has outlined plans to tackle waste and promote a circular economy. The strategy will focus on reuse, repair, and recycling, working with businesses to reduce waste and support long-term sustainability while driving economic growth. 

New Rules Simplifying Recycling for Workplaces in England Come into Force 

Workplaces across England must now separate recyclable materials from general waste under new regulations. Part of the government’s Simpler Recycling initiative, these changes aim to increase recycling rates, reduce landfill waste, and lower costs for businesses. 

£16 Million Boost to Improve Flood Protection for Farmers and Rural Communities 

An additional £16 million in funding has been allocated to enhance flood resilience for rural areas, bringing total investment in Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) to £91 million. The funding will help protect agricultural land, homes, and businesses from flooding. 

Government to Build Over 1,000 Flood Schemes Across the Country 

A record £2.65 billion investment will fund the construction and maintenance of over 1,000 flood protection schemes. These projects aim to safeguard homes, businesses, and infrastructure from rising flood risks due to climate change. 

UK Pesticides National Action Plan 2025 

The updated UK Pesticides National Action Plan sets out strategies for managing pests, weeds, and diseases while minimising environmental and health risks. Developed in collaboration with the UK’s four nations, the plan aims to balance agricultural productivity with sustainability. 

Heather and Grass Burning in England – Open Consultation 

The government is seeking public input on proposed changes to the regulations governing the burning of heather and grasslands. The consultation aims to ensure land management practices align with environmental and conservation goals.

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero 

Government to Unleash the North Sea’s Clean Energy Future 

The UK government is consulting on plans to position the North Sea as a key hub for clean energy, supporting hydrogen, carbon capture, and wind power. The proposals also offer long-term certainty for the oil and gas sector by maintaining existing fields while ending new exploration licenses. 

Planning Revolution to Boost Clean Energy and Grid Connections 

New measures in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill aim to speed up clean energy projects by prioritising key grid connections and cutting wait times by up to seven years. The reforms will fast-track at least 150 major projects, supporting job creation and energy security. 

Up to 170,000 Homes to Get Energy-Saving Upgrades 

The Warm Homes Plan will deliver energy efficiency improvements such as insulation, solar panels, and heat pumps to low-income households and social housing. The initiative aims to reduce energy bills and support sustainability. 

Energy Secretary Launches Climate Talks with China 

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband visited Beijing to restart formal climate discussions with Chinese officials. The talks focused on strengthening cooperation ahead of COP30 and advancing global climate commitments. 

Great British Energy Invests £10 Million in Local Clean Power 

A new £10 million partnership with local governments will expand clean energy projects across the UK. The initiative aims to boost energy security, create jobs, and allow communities to benefit from reinvested profits or reduced energy bills. 

Great British Energy to Cut Energy Bills for Schools and Hospitals 

The first major project from Great British Energy will install rooftop solar panels on 200 schools and 200 NHS sites, reducing costs and reinvesting savings into public services. The initiative will also fund local clean power projects across the UK. 

Consultation on Building the North Sea’s Energy Future 

The government is seeking public input on ensuring a sustainable transition for the North Sea’s energy sector. The consultation focuses on balancing economic growth with environmental commitments.

Select Committees 

Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee 

The EFRA Committee has set out its strategic priorities for this Parliament, focusing on rural affairs, food security, and environmental sustainability. 

Daniel Zeichner MP, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, will appear before the committee to discuss key topics, including farming profitability, fairness in food supply chains, and fisheries management. 

Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) 

As concerns grow over the government’s environmental commitments, the Environment Secretary is set to appear before the EAC to address questions on nature conservation and sustainability policies. 

With plans to expand UK airport capacity, the EAC is investigating whether such developments align with the country’s net-zero and environmental targets. 

The committee will also question ministers on balancing economic activities like fishing and renewable energy with marine conservation, as the UK works towards its goal of protecting 30% of its waters by 2030. 

Energy Security and Net Zero Committee 

The Energy Security and Net Zero Committee is exploring how the oil and gas workforce can be retrained and redeployed to support the transition to clean, secure energy. 

Additionally, the committee is examining how community energy projects, such as rooftop solar, could help power homes and generate local income, with a focus on market reforms that would enable surplus energy to be sold directly to the grid. 

APPGs 

Net Zero APPG 

The Net Zero APPG hosted a session bringing together Parliamentarians, industry leaders, and experts to discuss the UK’s transition to clean power. With the 2030 target approaching, the discussion focused on overcoming key challenges to achieving a fully decarbonised electricity system.