The House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) will hear from environmental and housing regulators today on their roles in helping to deliver the Government’s housebuilding agenda while supporting nature recovery.
In a live evidence session ar 4.30pm the EAC will discuss environmental sustainability and housing growth with the Chief Executives of Natural England, the Environment Agency and Homes England at a time when ministers are proposing to review and reform the role of arms-length bodies across Government.
Members are likely to ask the Environment Agency and Natural England how they will continue to protect the environment amid the Government’s aims to accelerate housebuilding, liberalise planning regulations and “back the builders, not the blockers”.
They are also likely to ask about controversial aspects of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, such as new Environmental Delivery Plans and changes to the mitigation hierarchy, which campaigners say could downgrade nature protection.
With pressure on resources at Natural England, and a growing shortage of skills in the construction and ecology sectors, members are also likely to ask witnesses whether their organisations have the skills and resources necessary to deliver the Government’s ambitions.
Witnesses will appear before the Committee as follows:
From 16.30:
Marian Spain, Chief Executive, Natural England
Philip Duffy, Chief Executive, Environment Agency
Eamonn Boylan, Interim Chief Executive, Homes England
Click here to watch the evidence session on Parliament Live TV.
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