Scrutiny of the draft Environment (Principles and Governance) Bill inquiry launched

• Inquiry: Scrutiny of the draft Environment (Principles and Governance) Bill
• Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
• Environmental Audit Committee

The Chairs look forward to receiving evidence for the draft clauses of the bill, the policy paper, statement of impacts, the memorandum from Defra to the Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform Committee and the information paper on the policy statement on Environmental Principles.

The Committees invite all interested parties to address the following questions and any other aspect of the draft legislation in writing by the end of January, in no more than 3,000 words.

Terms of Reference

• Does the proposed constitution of the oversight body provide it with enough independence to scrutinise the Government?
• Does the proposed oversight body have the appropriate powers to take ‘proportionate enforcement action'?
• Are there any conflicts of interest or overlap with existing government bodies?
• As drafted are the principles legally enforceable? What will need to be included in the National Policy Statement to interpret the application of the principles?
• Are there any conflicts with other legislators or legislation, for example the Scottish Continuity Bill?
• Does the Bill meet the government's commitment to non-regression from EU environmental standards?
• Is there anything else missing that should be included to meet the enforcement, governance and other gaps in environmental protection left by leaving the European Union?

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

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