Policy Threads

Environment Act Targets Delivery

Defra is implementing and monitoring delivery of environmental targets established under the Environment Act 2021, including air quality, water quality, and protected sites objectives. The department faces challenges in providing clear regulatory frameworks and performance metrics to multiple regulators (Natural England, Environment Agency) operating across overlapping responsibilities with inconsistent approaches.

9 Jan 2026 | Research Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Environmental regulation

This NAO report focuses on how Defra and the regulators carry out their duties in practice and sets out recommendations for them to consider. Report type: value_for_money | Departments: ['Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs'] | Topics: ['Business and …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

31 Jan 2023 | Impact assessment Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

The Significant Improvement Test

Under the Environment Act 2021, the UK government has committed to review its suite of statutory environmental targets at least every 5 years.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Review of environmental targets: Outcome of the… (16pp)

23 Jul 2019 | Memorandum Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Environment (Principles and Governance) Bill: Memorandum from Defra to the Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform Committee

In response to: Draft Environment (Principles and Governance) Bill 2018

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK