The House of Lords Select Committee on the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 will publish its report The Countryside at a Crossroads: is the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 still fit for purpose? on Thursday 22nd March.
Over the course of its inquiry the Committee heard evidence that in the 12 years since the Act was passed the Government has made policy decisions that have not served our rural economy, communities and natural environment well.
In its report, the Committee make a series of recommendations on who should be responsible for promoting the needs of rural communities in Government; how Natural England can better fulfil its role to protect, promote and enhance the environment; what can be done to tackle the possible governance gap for environmental protection after Brexit; and how the Act can better support biodiversity.
The Committee heard evidence from rural advocacy groups including the Rural Coalition and Action with Rural Communities, as well as conservation groups such as The Wildlife Trust and RSPB. The Committee also heard from Defra Ministers and officials, including Michael Gove MP.
Embargoed copies of the report will be available to the media from the Lords Press Office on Wednesday 21st March, embargoed until 00:01 on Thursday 22nd March 2018.
To request a copy, or bid for an interview with Lord Cameron of Dillington, the Chairman of Committee, please email lordspressoffice@parliament.uk or call 020 7219 8535.
Help keep news FREE for our readers
Supporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism, then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. Read More About Supporting The West Wales Chronicle
