Environment law largely survives red tape cull

摘要

Proposed changes to UK environmental regulations following a wide-ranging review have proved less far-reaching than many had expected (ENDS Report 440, pp 45-46)- The Red Tape Challenge has identified only a few obsolete laws to be abolished. However, about half of 257 regulations covered are likely to be simplified or merged.1 Many of the initiatives announced by environment secretary Caroline Spelman on 19 March are already under way. These include the expansion of environmental permitting to flood risk consents and water abstractions and the Environment Agency's 'smart regulation' initiatives (ENDS Report 438, pp 34-37).