Environment Agency corporate scorecard 2025 to 2026 - quarter 3
Updated 26 March 2026
Applies to England
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The corporate scorecard 2025 to 2026 quarter 3 (Q3) starts 1 September 2025 and ends 31 December 2025. The year end is 31 March 2026.
1. Water company compliance inspections
| Q3 actual | Q3 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q3 status | Year end forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7,906 | 7,000 | 10,000 | Green | Green |
Commentary
This measure reports on the number of onsite inspections we have completed to assess compliance with water company wastewater discharge permits. Carrying out onsite inspections is an important business priority. It forms part of the wide range of activities we carry out to monitor water company performance and compliance.
Following a strong performance last year, we have continued to prioritise resources to achieve this year’s ambitious target of 10,000 onsite inspections. By the end of quarter 3, we completed 7,906 inspections against a target of 7,000 a performance of 113%. This is a continuing positive trend following on from quarter 2.
Based on current performance, we are forecasting green for this measure.
We are continuing to ensure we have the skills and capacity needed to sustain high quality inspections carried out throughout the year.
Water company inspections completed against target
| Quarter | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Q2 2024 to 2025 | 1,932 | 686 |
| Q3 2024 to 2025 | 3,246 | 1,828 |
| Q4 2024 to 2025 | 4,626 | 4,000 |
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 2,395 | 2,000 |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 5,228 | 4,500 |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 7,906 | 7,000 |
2. Sewage treatment works brought into compliance
| Q3 Actual | Q3 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q3 status | Year end forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76% | 90% | 90% | Amber | Amber |
Commentary
This measure reports on the number of water company wastewater treatment works and water treatment works shown to have high risk non-compliances last year. It demonstrates that we are using our full range of regulatory powers to bring these sites into compliance. We are concentrating our regulatory effort on those sites that pose the highest risk to the environment. We are using our full range of interventions to achieve this outcome.
There were 111 sites identified as high risk failing sites last year. Of these sites, 84 (76%) are currently meeting the requirements of this measure. This means the site either:
- has returned to compliance
- has submitted a compliance action plan (CAP) to the Environment Agency that clearly outlines the steps and timelines for achieving compliance
- we have started enforcement action alongside other regulatory work to bring the site back into compliance
We have seen a reduction in the number of sites meeting the requirements for this measure, last quarter we were reporting 107 sites (96%). There is variability across the country largely due to individual water company performance.
This variability can be explained by sites moving in and out of compliance for various reasons. Delays in actions being completed through compliance action plans or additional serious breaches within the reporting year.
We continue to use an evidence based approach to addressing the root cause of non-compliance, securing actions plans to ensure sites are meeting this requirement. This means the number of compliant sites can go down as well as up and given this variability we are forecasting amber for this measure.
Percentage of sewage treatment works brought back into compliance
| Quarter | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 93% | 90% |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 96% | 90% |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 76% | 90% |
3. Number of farm inspections
| Q3 Actual | Q3 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q3 status | Year end forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,042 | 2,977 | 4,000 | Green | Green |
Commentary
This measure tracks the number of inspections undertaken on farms (excluding permitted intensive pig and poultry units). The inspections assess compliance with relevant legislation, mainly concentrating on:
- slurry
- silage
- agricultural fuel oil storage
- farming rules for water
- nitrate vulnerable zone regulations
Using an advice led approach, our regulatory officers aim to bring farmers into compliance and improve water quality. We concentrate where our interventions can positively influence the environment most effectively, such as:
- the beef and dairy sectors
- protected sites
At the end of quarter 3 we have completed 3,042 inspections, exceeding 75% of our yearly 4,000 inspection target for this financial year. We are on track to meet the target at the end of the financial year. Approximately 10% of our inspections are remote using earth observation techniques. This creates efficiencies of scale and enables us to identify land management issues that are not readily apparent on the ground.
Remote technologies also help us identify where to target in person inspections. Agricultural premises were the source of over 70 serious pollution incidents during 2024. Our inspections aim to reduce incidents by early interventions before they occur.
Farming rules for water concentrates on diffuse water pollution and land management issues, improved:
- slurry storage
- nutrient planning
- land management
and reduces diffuse pollution. This leads to long term reductions in:
- nitrate
- phosphate
- sediment
contributing towards Environment Improvement Plan targets.
Number of farm inspections
| Quarter | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2024 to 2025 | 1,028 | 977 |
| Q2 2024 to 2025 | 2,302 | 1,984 |
| Q3 2024 to 2025 | 3,394 | 3,103 |
| Q4 2024 to 2025 | 4,540 | 4,000 |
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 951 | 968 |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 2,037 | 1,963 |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 3,042 | 2,977 |
4. Bathing water monitoring
| Q3 Actual | Q3 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q3 status | Year end forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | 98% | 98% | Green | Not applicable |
Commentary
In 2025, we achieved a strong performance in collecting and analysing the bathing waters data. We sampled and analysed 449 of 451 designated bathing waters, 2 bathing waters were closed this year and therefore not included. The required statutory sample results were all published to SWIMFO (SWIMFO is an Environment Agency online tool in England, that allows you to look up details of a designated bathing water by name or location).
Percentage of bathing water quality monitoring samples collected and analysed
| Quarter | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 99% | 98% |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 100% | 98% |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 100% | 98% |
5. We stop high risk illegal waste sites
| Q3 Actual | Q3 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q3 status | Year end forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 103 | 62 | 90 | Green | Green |
Commentary
The Environment Agency works to protect the environment, people and the legitimate waste industry by enforcing against waste criminals and the deliberate damage they cause. The Environment Agency’s crime priorities include:
- the misdescription of waste
- responding to illegal dumping
- closing waste illegal sites
- preventing the illegal exports
- responding to producer responsibility fraud and organised crime
This metric helps measure the Environment Agency’s action to prevent and stop waste crime by targeting illegal waste sites that pose the greatest risk to:
- communities
- the environment
- businesses
It also supports the government’s circular economy goals.
Although we are meeting our target year to date and have stopped 103 high risk illegal sites so far against our target of 62. We do recognise that the presence of illegal waste sites such as the one at Kidlington, demonstrates that there is more to be done. We know that waste crime is underreported and consequently the scale of activity is likely to be higher.
Number of high risk illegal waste sites stopped
| Quarter | Total | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2024 to 2025 | 28 | 17 |
| Q2 2024 to 2025 | 65 | 41 |
| Q3 2024 to 2025 | 111 | 62 |
| Q4 2024 to 2025 | 143 | 90 |
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 24 | 17 |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 56 | 41 |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 103 | 62 |
6. Planning applications determined in 21 days
| Q3 Actual | Q3 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q3 status | Year end forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98% | 95% | 95% | Green | Green |
Commentary
This performance indicator measures our ability to provide timely response to the planning application consultations we receive from local planning authorities. Specifically, it measures our ability to respond to planning application consultations within 21 days or as otherwise agreed with the local planning authority. An efficient planning system is vital to the government’s growth ambitions and reflects our dedication to support this.
We have met the obligation we made to government to achieve 95% by the end of quarter 2. In quarter 3, we responded to 2,958 planning applications where the 21 days requirement applied. Of which, 2,930 were replied to within the 21 days period or as otherwise agreed with the local planning authority. Our target is for 95% of responses to be made within that timeframe and our year to date performance is 98%
Percentage of planning application consultations
| Quarter | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 95% | 95% |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 97% | 95% |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 98% | 95% |
7. Percentage of permits issued within timescales (category 1 permits)
| Q3 Actual | Q3 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q3 status | Year end forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90% | 95% | 95% | Amber | Green |
Commentary
Performance in this category remained steady during the quarter. Some types of applications very narrowly missed deadlines due to additional checks. Improvements to digital tools are expected to reduce these delays over the next year.
Applications relating to herbicide use are now being processed more quickly following recent changes to the way people apply. These improvements will take time to feed through into the performance figures but are already reducing waiting times for applicants.
The overall picture is one of stable performance, with sustained consistent improvement. Targeted attention is planned to help lift performance further.
Percentage of permits issued
| Quarter | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 90% | 95% |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 90% | 95% |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 90% | 95% |
8. Percentage of permits issued within timescales (category 2 permits)
| Q3 Actual | Q3 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q3 status | Year end forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65% | 70% | 70% | Amber | Green |
Commentary
This category experienced a fall in performance. The decline was linked to an increase in the volume of applications requiring detailed checks to prevent misuse of permits. These safeguards are important, but they can extend the time needed to make decisions.
Work relating to flood risk activities performed well and a significant clearance programme of older cases was completed. Improvements were made to everyday processing, helping offset pressures from older applications.
Positive improvements have been seen in completion of land remediation applications within timescales.
Improvements are planned to enhance digital support and develop clearer processes to further improve performance going forward.
Percentage of permits issued
| Quarter | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 55% | 70% |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 70% | 70% |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 65% | 70% |
9. Percentage of permits issued within timescales (category 3 permits)
| Q3 Actual | Q3 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q3 status | Year end forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50% | 70% | 70% | Red | Amber |
Commentary
Performance in this category dipped because a large number of older, complex cases were deliberately cleared. These applications were already outside expected timescales, so completing them had an unavoidable effect on the performance data. Clearing them creates a more stable foundation for future improvement.
Overall, the category is expected to improve in the coming quarter through sustained improvements in processes.
Percentage of permits issued
| Quarter | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 56% | 70% |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 55% | 70% |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 50% | 70% |
10. Percentage of permits issued within timescales (category 4 permits)
| Q3 Actual | Q3 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q3 status | Year end forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47% | 55% | 55% | Red | Green |
Commentary
Performance in this category increased slightly this quarter even though many additional older applications were completed. Many of these had already exceeded expected timelines so creating short term pressure while improving longer term flow. Complex work, especially in waste and water related areas, remains challenging due to the volume of workload and the quality of submissions received.
The overall direction is positive, with gradual improvement expected to continue through next year as better checking, prioritisation and digital support become embedded.
Percentage of permits issued
| Quarter | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 49% | 55% |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 45% | 55% |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 47% | 55% |
11. Number of properties better protected from flooding
| Q3 Actual | Q3 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q3 status | Year end forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47,622 | 43,843 | 52,000 | Green | Green |
Commentary
During quarter 3 of 2025 to 2026, there were 7,029 properties better protected from flooding and coastal erosion by projects including:
- Thames Estuary barrier works (Kent, South London and East Sussex Area): 2,015 properties
- Stainforth flap valve and penstock (Yorkshire Area): 330 properties
- Don Catchment Regulators - Asset Refurbishment (Yorkshire Area): 817 properties
This brings the cumulative total of properties better protected since:
- 1 April 2024 to 47,622
- 1 April 2021 to 135,894
- 1 April 2024 to 47,622
We are on track to deliver the combined 52,000 target for 2024 to 2026, as set by the Defra Secretary of State. A total target of 140,272 for the 5 year period 2021 to 2022 to 2025 to 2026.
Properties protected
2025 to 2026 programme cumulative target = 52,000
Number of properties protected
| Quarter | Total |
|---|---|
| Q1 2023 to 2024 | 61,228 |
| Q2 2023 to 2024 | 67,734 |
| Q3 2023 to 2024 | 71,563 |
| Q4 2023 to 2024 | 88,272 |
| Q1 2024 to 2025 | 91,433 |
| Q2 2024 to 2025 | 94,055 |
| Q3 2024 to 2025 | 94,902 |
| Q4 2024 to 2025 | 115,815 |
| Q1 2025 to 2025 | 27,882 |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 40,593 |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 47,622 |
12. Innovation actions delivered in flood and coastal resilience to adapt to a changing climate
| Q3 Actual | Q3 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q3 status | Year end forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | 80% | 80% | Green | Green |
Commentary
This measure monitors the implementation of innovative adaptation and resilience actions through the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes managed by the Environment Agency.
The figures are based on project performance as of quarter 2 2025 to 2026.
Assessments are based on detailed one to one project feedback and quarterly reporting from all projects.
In the previous quarter there was one project ‘off track’.
For this quarter there are no projects ‘off track’. It is expected that all projects will remain on track for the next quarter and for year end.
Percentage of actions completed or on track
| Quarter | % Actual | % Target |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2024 to 2025 | 88% | 80% |
| Q2 2024 to 2025 | 91% | 80% |
| Q3 2024 to 2025 | 94% | 80% |
| Q4 2024 to 2025 | 94% | 80% |
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 100% | 80% |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 97% | 80% |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 100% | 80% |
13. We maintain our flood and coastal risk management assets at or above the target condition
| Q3 Actual | Q3 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q3 status | Year end forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92.9 | 92% | 92% | Green | Green |
Commentary
Environment Agency owned and maintained high consequence asset condition for quarter 3 is 92.9%, which has remained stable over this last quarter.
Our target this year is to stabilise asset condition at or above 92%. For 2025 to 2026 we repurposed and allocated an additional £72million from capital to support the maintenance program and asset repair.
This year started with drier, sunnier and warmer weather than average, enabling asset repair work. However, the weather has turned wetter than average in this third quarter.
The shift from unusually dry conditions earlier in the year to wetter weather in this quarter presents additional challenges for our flood defence assets. Earth embankments particularly suffer from shrinkage and swell in such conditions.
The recent flooding is also likely to affect our flood defences. We are likely to see an increase in the number of damaged assets and a drop in asset condition. Once the flood waters have subsided, we will undertake asset inspections to understand the effects of the floods.
Percentage of our flood and coastal risk management assets at or above the target condition
| Quarter | % Actual (rounded) | % Target |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2023 to 2024 | 93.8% | 94.5% |
| Q2 2023 to 2024 | 93.5% | 94.5% |
| Q3 2023 to 2024 | 93.3% | 94.5% |
| Q4 2023 to 2024 | 92.6% | 94.5% |
| Q1 2024 to 2025 | 92.2% | 94.5% |
| Q2 2024 to 2025 | 92.1% | 94.5% |
| Q3 2024 to 2025 | 92.2% | 94.5% |
| Q4 2024 to 2025 | 92.8% | 94.5% |
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 92.7% | 92% |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 92.9% | 92% |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 92.9% | 92% |
14. Resilience in our capacity to respond to incidents
| Q3 Actual | Q3 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q3 status | Year end forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amber | Green | Green | Amber | Amber |
Commentary
This measure shows how well we can bring together the people and expertise needed to respond to environmental incidents.
In the last quarter, we were generally able to run our incident response cells safely, although our overall resilience varied more than usual. Teams were able to scale up when needed, but some cells were harder to staff, particularly during periods of higher activity.
We are improving our response by adding staff to incident roles, improving training, and ensuring our operating arrangements are clear and efficient. These improvements support the wider ambition for strong, reliable incident response across the country. This helps us:
- protect communities
- critical infrastructure
- the environment during:
- flooding
- pollution events
- other emergencies
Although pressures remain, our response capability is stable, and we are taking further steps to increase resilience ahead of periods of higher demand.
15. Minimised time lost to work related injuries
| Q3 Actual | Q3 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q3 status | Year end forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.17 | <0.11 | <0.11 | Red | Amber |
Commentary
Lost Time Incident Frequency Rate (LTIFR) is an important Health, Safety and Wellbeing (HSW) performance indicator. It measures the number of work related incidents resulting in time lost, per 100,000 hours worked over a rolling 12 month period. It provides a standardised way to assess the frequency of serious incidents that effect:
- employee health
- productivity
- operational continuity
The rate captures any work-related incidents (both harm and ill-health) that result in a colleague being off work for more than one day.
Following the quarter 2 LTIFR reduction from 0.17 to 0.16, our quarter 3 LTIFR has returned to 0.17. This return to 0.17 has been due to the 15 LTI’s recorded during quarter 3.
This takes us to 32 LTI’s this financial year which is the same number as this time last year:
- 31 LTI’s were related to actual harm
- 1 related to mental illness
- no ill health LTI’s reported
We continue to encourage and prioritise the embedding of the Health, Safety and Wellbeing strategy. This includes important leadership messaging regarding ‘working safely or not at all’ and the roll out of the mandatory training. We are also carrying out dynamic risk assessment training to reduce harm incidents.
Lost time incident frequency rate per 100,000 hours
| Quarter | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 0.17 | 0.11 |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 0.16 | 0.11 |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 0.17 | 0.11 |
16. We have a diverse workforce
A) Percentage of our staff who are from a black, Asian and minority ethnic background
| Q3 Actual | Q3 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q3 status | Year end forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reports at Q4 | Reports at Q4 | 7.6% | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Commentary
This measure is reported every 6 months. Data and narrative will be updated at quarter 4.
Black, Asian and minority ethnic background staff as % of all staff
2025 to 2026 target = 7.6%
| Quarter | Total |
|---|---|
| Q4 2022 to 2023 | 5.3 % |
| Q2 2023 to 2024 | 5.7% |
| Q4 2023 to 2024 | 6.1 % |
| Q2 2024 to 2025 | 6.4% |
| Q4 2024 to 2025 | 6.5 % |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 6.8% |
B) Percentage of senior staff who are female
| Q3 Actual | Q3 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q3 status | Year end forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reports at Q4 | Reports at Q4 | 50% | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Commentary
This measure is reported every 6 months. Data and narrative will be updated at quarter 4.
Percentage of senior staff who are female
2025 to 2026 target = 50%
| Quarter | Total |
|---|---|
| Q4 2022 to 2023 | 48% |
| Q2 2023 to 2024 | 47.2% |
| Q4 2023 to 2024 | 45.7% |
| Q2 2024 to 2025 | 46% |
| Q4 2024 to 2025 | 48% |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 46.1% |
17. Net zero carbon by 2030
| Q3 Actual | Q3 target | 2025 to 2026 target | Q3 status | Year end forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 155,795 | <149,137 | <198,916 | Amber | Amber |
Commentary
There has been a 6% improvement in performance against the targets since quarter 2, with quarter 3 carbon being reduced to 4% over budget. The budget: 149,187 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e) and actuals: 155,795 tCO₂e.
We are amber because we are over our target for ‘other indirect’ and ‘computing’. This mainly relates to our supply chain emissions and an increase in laptops. Actions are underway, including building carbon performance into flood design contracts and reducing device numbers through reuse, which is already lowering emissions.
We continue to work on reducing emissions from our construction process, ensuring current best practices are standardised across the organisation and innovation.
Quarterly carbon dioxide equivalents emissions
| Quarter | Total (tonnes) |
|---|---|
| Q1 2023 to 2024 | 100,031 |
| Q2 2023 to 2024 | 139,658 |
| Q3 2023 to 2024 | 171,387 |
| Q4 2023 to 2024 | 269,339 |
| Q1 2024 to 2025 | 78,658 |
| Q2 2024 to 2025 | 126,176 |
| Q3 2024 to 2025 | 181,434 |
| Q4 2024 to 2025 | 261,414 |
| Q1 2025 to 2026 | 57,407 |
| Q2 2025 to 2026 | 109,649 |
| Q3 2025 to 2026 | 155,795 |