The Environment Agency has awarded a contract for research into shared and contested values in the freshwater environment with an estimated value of c £120,000.

The aim of the research is to explore how deliberative processes can shape shared and contested values for the freshwater environment, and how these values differ from the individual willingness-to-pay (WTP) estimates.

The research will inform the broader valuation framework under and support more inclusive, equitable, and context-sensitive decision-making at the catchment scale.

The contracthas been awarded - without competition - to Economics For the Environment Consultancy Ltd.

Current estimated start and end contract dates are 5 September 2025 to 28 February 2027.

The procurement for the services was undertaken by Defra on behalf of the Environment Agency.