Public Accounts Committee warns environmental regulators spread too thin to protect nature while delivering reforms
The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is not convinced that environmental regulators and government can fulfil their existing responsibilities while delivering ambitious reforms.
National Audit Office report says environmental regulation reform requires strategic approach
As Defra and the two largest environmental regulators, the Environment Agency (EA) and Natural England (NE), embark on a period of reform they face several challenges, and success will depend on a joined-up, strategic approach, says the National Audit Office (NAO) in a new report.
Tony Juniper CBE reappointed as Natural England Chair
Environment Secretary Steve Reed has today confirmed that Tony Juniper CBE has been reappointed as Chair of Natural England for a third term.
Nutrient pollution: Defra issues Direction to Natural England on strategic mitigation schemes
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has issued a Direction to Natural England on measures to address nutrient pollution via strategic mitigation schemes which has been implemented with immediate effect.
Natural England downgrades environmental state of Somerset Levels and Moors SSSIs and calls for urgent action on phosphate pollution
Natural England has downgraded the environmental condition of the Somerset Levels and Moors Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) due to water quality issues - phosphates are causing algal blooms in the Somerset Levels, like Tealham SSSI.
Defra sets up pond habitats licensing system for great crested newts
The Department for Food Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) is getting ready to set up district licensing schemes to deliver pond creation and restoration across England to protect the habitats of great crested newts.
EAC Chair condemns raid on Natural England staff to work on Brexit
The Chair of the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee has condemned what is described as Defra’s raid on staff at Natural England to prepare for Brexit.
EA and Natural England to remain separate
The Environment Agency (EA) and Natural England (NE) will remain as separate bodies, the Government announced today, following a triennial review which suggested they could merge.
News Showcase
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Kohtari CEO says joined-up water intelligence needed to predict, not just react - not more data
James Sumsion, CEO of predictive water intelligence specialists Kohtari, says the water sector needs to take a giant leap forward, so that it can anticipate and act upon water quality issues - rather than merely react. -
IED compliance – using automated sliding floodgates to support secondary containment at water and sewerage company sites
Ray Moulds, Sales Director at Flood Control International, takes a look at how automated sliding floodgates are supporting secondary containment at water and sewerage company sites. -
Making storm overflow data make Sense – Metasphere launches dedicated monitoring device
With the UK government demanding a 50% reduction in storm overflow spills by 2029, the era of reactive management is over. Speaking in the House of Commons on 21 July 2025, then environment secretary Steve Reed said, “This Government will cut water companies’ sewage pollution in half by the end of the decade.” -
King’s Award for Enterprise shows ERG moving forward with growth in UK and Asia
ERG, the leading supplier of odour control systems and industrial gas cleaning & thermal systems, has been awarded the coveted King’s Award for Enterprise.
Expert Focus
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Other Latest News
- United Utilities awards £12 million AMP8 contract for mobile centrifuge and associated maintenance service operators
- North Ayrshire Council tenders £200k contract for general repairs & annual maintenance of Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDs) installations
- Defra Secretary of State to face questioning by EFRA Committee on water sector, farming support and food security
- Defra - almost 20,000 new homes unlocked after breakthrough by government Water Delivery Taskforce
- Flood defence - EA begins ground investigations for £100m-plus Eastbourne and Pevensey Bay Coastal Management Scheme
- New report from S&P Global Ratings decodes data centre risk
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Scottish Water completes £235m investment in two-way connection between drinking water networks
Hear how Scottish Water has completed its £235 million Ayrshire Glasgow Resilience Project - customers across Greater Glasgow, Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire will now benefit from a more secure and resilient water supply. -
United Utilities accelerates investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across Northwest
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest. -
Working for WSP - what if you could build a career as unique as you? With us, you can
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video.
Top Stories
- Defra Secretary of State to face questioning by EFRA Committee on water sector, farming support and food security
- Defra - almost 20,000 new homes unlocked after breakthrough by government Water Delivery Taskforce
- Anglian Water flags up procurement of upcoming c£35 million AMP8 Grounds Investigation Framework
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