"We are pleased to see the reintroduction of the Environment Bill. The legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic must be that we grasp the opportunity to protect and enhance our natural environment and tackle the climate emergency."
Responding to details of the reintroduction of the Environment Bill announced in the Queen’s Speech, Cllr David Renard, Environment spokesperson for the LGA, said:
“We are pleased to see the reintroduction of the Environment Bill. The legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic must be that we grasp the opportunity to protect and enhance our natural environment and tackle the climate emergency.
“This can be achieved by continuing to improve air quality, protecting against flooding and ensuring our transport, waste and energy policies are environmentally sustainable.
“The Bill points to a new relationship between local and national government when it comes to the environment and while councils are best placed to take the lead on this agenda, they will need adequate funding and access to skills to deliver on our shared ambitions.
“At this stage it is difficult to predict the full impact of new legislation and costs associated, but we know that the COVID-19 pandemic has further increased financial pressure on councils, so any new duties must be fully funded in the long-term.”
Notes to editors
Our most recent parliamentary briefing on the Environment Bill in full can be found online.