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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of whether local planning authorities have sufficient resources to implement the proposed requirements of the Environment Bill.

The Government wants to see better planning for nature, in a way that’s more efficient as well as effective. The Environment Bill will provide greater certainty through the planning system on how to plan effectively for the local environment.

We consulted local authorities during the policy making stage, and continue to be committed to working in partnership with local government on the implementation of these measures.

The Government will cover any additional costs these measures place on local authorities.