Defra has today (30 July, 2024) published a response to our report on the implementation of the Water Framework Directive regulations, in order to meet the statutory deadline.
This is an initial response that sets out an intention to lay a full, considered response after the Parliamentary Summer recess. This is because the deadline falls within the recess period and because Defra was not able to lay a response earlier due to the calling of the General Election and the subsequent prorogation.
We recognise that circumstances have meant that ministers have not been able to fully consider the report with the thoroughness and consideration it demands before the summer recess, and welcome the commitment to respond more fully in September. It is our expectation that the substantial response addresses the recommendations from the report and sets out the Government’s position on its findings as a whole.
An exchange of letters on this matter is published here. You can read the letters by clicking on the blue 'Download' buttons on this page.
Our report on the Implementation of the Water Framework Directive Regulations can be found here.
Defra’s initial response to the report can be found here.
