Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will bring forward legislative proposals to remove regulations 9 and 10 of the National Emission Ceilings Regulations 2018 (SI 2018/129) from schedule 1 of the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023.

I do not intend to remove Regulations 9 and 10 of the National Emissions Ceilings Regulations (NECR), which require preparation of and consultation on a National Air Pollution Control Programme (NAPCP), from schedule 1 of the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023.

The NAPCP format is long, complicated and duplicative, and does nothing to improve the quality of the air we breathe. Of those who expressed an opinion when we consulted on the NAPCP last year, a majority agreed that the format could be improved, with a consensus that it was too lengthy and technical. With this in mind, we are considering how we can simplify the process to reduce administrative burdens and improve transparency.

All other provisions in the NECR remain unchanged, including the emissions reduction targets and reporting requirements which ensure transparency and allow scrutiny of the UK’s progress towards achieving its emissions targets.