Agenda item

The Chairman introduced Dame Glenys Stacey, the Chair of the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP), and Natalie Prosser, the Interim Chief Executive of the OEP who gave a presentation of the work of the OEP, outlining its powers and the aims of the draft strategy and enforcement policy.

Following discussions, Members made the following comments:

·        Members commented that environmental targets can be missed due to lack of resources and the protection of the environment being less of a priority as a result.

·        Members expressed concerns that some powers and functions were not best placed to ensure environmental protection.

·        It was suggested that a regional environmental panel be established as a place for representatives from different authorities to raise any concerns.

·        Members queried if local authorities were always most suitable to address complaints given there were other authorities, such as water companies, that can have an environmental impact.

·        It was queried what the OEP’s relationship was with the Environment Agency.

In response to Members, Dame Glenys Stacey and Natalie Prosser made the following comments:

·        Should there be recurring reports of resource concerns from local authorities unable to meet environment targets, the OEP would bring the issue to parliament.

·        As part of the scrutinising of environmental law, the OEP were checking for “gaps” in powers and had previously been made aware of concerns around the Waste Carriers Licence system.

·        As part of 25 YEP, governance had been explored and consideration would be given to introduce a regional panel for representation at a local level.

·        The OEP holds all public authorities to account which included water companies as well as local authorities.

·        The Environment Agency was a big public authority the OEP oversees and has the statutory power to request information from.

·        It was clarified that the OEP was filling a governance gap of holding government to account. They hold public authorities to account as a requirement of the Environment Act.

The Chairman introduced Andrew Richmond, Adviser, who advised that the LGA would be responding to the OEP’s Draft Strategy and Enforcement Policy. Comments from Members would be incorporated into the response.

The Chairman thanked Dame Glenys Stacey and Natalie Prosser for their presentation.

Decision:

The Environment, Economy, Housing and Transport Board noted the update.