Government response to January 2026 Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) report on EIP progress from 2024 to 2025

Q: Data, evidence, and analysis

Defra welcomes the insight offered by the OEP ’s independent scrutiny and analysis of progress in achieving the ambitions of the EIP . We will continue to work with OEP officials on alignment of analytical approaches taken in respective organisations’ EIP reports.

Question 1

Data, evidence, and analysis

Accepted Answer

Defra welcomes the insight offered by the OEP’s independent scrutiny and analysis of progress in achieving the ambitions of the EIP. We will continue to work with OEP officials on alignment of analytical approaches taken in respective organisations’ EIP reports.

Question 2

Responses to OEP recommendations

Accepted Answer

This section includes the recommendations set out by the OEP in their report. These include standing recommendations from the 2023 to 2024 report, as well as new reports for 2024 to 2025, and are presented in the order set out in the report.

OEP recommendation 1 – Getting Nature Friendly Farming right

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): We consider it essential that government strengthens engagement with farmers and landowners if it is to achieve environmental ambitions, targets and commitments. While government agrees with us that it is essential to get nature-friendly farming right, it only partially accepted our recommendation. It stated that an integrated cross-government approach to deliver new infrastructure and housing while making space for nature and water and emissions reduction is required. It points to the Land Use Framework and the EIP25 as key to achieving this. We consider that progress during the annual reporting period has been limited. We will continue to assess progress which requires analysis of both the EIP25 and forthcoming Land Use Framework.

Government’s response to recommendation 1

The government accepts this recommendation.

The government continues to agree it is essential to get nature-friendly farming right.

We agree, it is essential we continue to strengthen farmer and landowner engagement to meet our targets, ambitions, and commitments. This is why we have revised the EIP to be clearer about actions needed to achieve our goals and published the Land Use Framework which creates a strong framework for delivery.

Our approach is predicated on increased participation in more ambitious aspects of Environmental Land Management Schemes. These schemes have been co-designed with farmers and land managers to increase participation and encourage greater ambition. Guidance, advice, and collaboration funds are used to encourage farmers and landholders to take up best practice voluntarily and join more environmentally ambitious schemes.

The Farmer Collaboration Fund was announced in January 2026 and will allow farmers to develop a flexible approach to delivering sustainable, nature-friendly, productive farming by working together in collaborative groups. This fund is being developed in partnership with the sector.

Farming schemes and associated advice services are a key lever for delivering against government environmental targets but just one part of a broader policy approach as set out in the EIP and Land Use Framework.

OEP recommendation 2 – Maximise the contribution of Protected Sites for nature

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report):Protected wildlife sites make an important contribution towards achieving national and international commitments as well as providing wider benefits. Government has deferred a full response to this recommendation stating that this will be addressed through the response to the OEP report on protected sites. We consider that progress during the annual reporting period has been limited. We will assess this further after analysing the EIP25 and government’s response to our report.

Government’s response to recommendation 2

The government partially accept this recommendation.

In March 2026, the government responded to the OEP’s report, ‘Review of implementation of laws for terrestrial and freshwater protected sites in England’.

In a challenging funding context, Defra, alongside Natural England, is focused on delivering actions to improve the condition of protected sites. Our Environment Act target delivery plan Protected sites Environment Act target delivery plan sets out the actions we are taking to support the EA21 interim target for 50% of SSSI features to have actions on track by 2030.

OEP recommendation 3 - Speed up action in the marine environment

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Progress across wider actions and policies essential to nature’s recovery remain slow, especially in the marine environment. Government agrees that action in the marine environment is key to environmental improvement but has only partially accepted our recommendation to speed up action. While government has highlighted actions that have been taken, we consider that progress during the reporting period has been limited.

Government’s response to recommendation 3

The government partially accepts this recommendation.

On 16 December 2025, the government submitted its response to the OEP’s Information Notice into alleged failures under the marine strategy regulations and failure to deliver Good Environmental Status (GES). At the time of publication, the OEP is considering our response.

As set out in the response to recommendation 9, the good environmental status (GES) status of marine waters target is the collective responsibility of all 4 UK administrations and developed collaboratively.

The government is making good progress on its Marine Protected Area (MPA) byelaw programme with the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) consulting on proposed measures to restrict damaging fishing activities in 42 MPAs. The consultation relates to some very substantial proposals affecting 13% of English waters and it is important we get our approach right. We remain on track to meet the commitment in our Environmental Improvement Plan to introduce fisheries byelaws by the end of 2026.

The government has also recently confirmed byelaws by the Southern and Kent & Essex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities to protect inshore MPAs in their areas. This is in addition to fishing byelaws already in place in around 60% of England’s MPAs.

OEP recommendation 4 - Set out clear mechanisms for reconciling competing demands for use of land and sea

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): As environmental pressures continue to grow, government has accepted and deferred a response to our recommendation. We consider that progress during the reporting period has been mixed. We will assess this further after analysing the EIP25 as government has stated that the EIP25 will set out the approach for improving the natural environment that is needed to grow the economy, develop housing, boost food security, and meet environment and climate targets.

Government’s response to recommendation 4

The government accepts this recommendation.

Since publication of the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) in December 2025, the government has set out a coordinated suite of measures to improve how land and sea are planned and managed.

Central to this response is the Land Use Framework. The framework establishes a coherent, cross-government approach to using land more efficiently and effectively. It demonstrates that England has sufficient land to meet its ambitions for development, food production, and nature recovery, provided that decisions are taken more strategically. The framework therefore represents a step change in how land use is planned and managed, placing integration, spatial prioritisation, and long-term resilience at the heart of decision-making.

Alongside this, the government continues to advance a range of complementary workstreams to operationalise these principles. The revised Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP25) sets out key delivery mechanisms, including:

Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRSs)
the Farming Roadmap
marine and energy spatial planning programmes

The government is also strengthening spatial planning across sectors. The Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP), being developed by the National Energy System Operator in partnership with the UK, Welsh and Scottish Governments, will provide a long-term framework for the siting of energy infrastructure, including offshore generation. This is complemented by the Marine Spatial Prioritisation programme, ensuring marine and fisheries considerations are integrated - alongside other marine sectors - into strategic spatial decision-making.

In parallel, reforms to planning and environmental delivery are supporting implementation. Measures under the Planning and Infrastructure Act, including approaches to strategic mitigation and mechanisms such as a Nature Restoration Fund and Biodiversity Net Gain, are designed to streamline development while securing environmental improvements at scale.

The government is also improving integration through sector-specific reforms. The Farming Roadmap brings together key policies affecting agriculture into a single, coherent framework, enabling farmers and investors to respond more effectively to long-term signals on land use, productivity, and environmental management.

Similarly, the ‘A New Vision for Water’ white paper commits to a strengthened regional water planning function. This will support more coordinated, catchment-scale planning aligned with Spatial Development Strategies and LNRSs, helping to identify cost-effective, nature-based solutions that improve water quality, resilience and supply while supporting wider economic and environmental objectives.

Taken together, these measures represent a more joined-up system for managing land and sea use. The Land Use Framework provides the strategic foundation for this approach, ensuring that individual policies and programmes contribute to a common set of objectives and are better aligned across government. Further progress will be reported as implementation continues and as the impacts of EIP25 are assessed.

OEP recommendation 5 – Develop a circular economy framework

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report):The government has accepted our recommendation and stated that it is committed to transitioning to a circular economy. We consider that progress during the reporting period has been mixed. We welcome the plan to publish proposals for consultation in the coming months and will assess this further as the Circular Economy Growth Plan develops. In addition to the 5 priority areas for action, we also made recommendations on three cross-cutting areas aimed at securing effective implementation of the EA21 targets and a revised EIP.

Government’s response to recommendation 5

The government partially accepts this recommendation.

The government convened a Circular Economy Taskforce of experts to help map the transition to a more resource efficient, waste free economy. We will publish the Circular Economy Growth Plan soon. It will set out how government will deliver a more circular and more prosperous economy. Meanwhile we continue to push forward new policy and delivery to progress the government’s circular economy ambitions.

OEP recommendation 6 – Mobilise investment at the scale needed

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Addressing the barriers to mobilising private investment remains critical to closing funding gaps for nature goals. Government has partially accepted our recommendation. We consider that progress during the reporting period has been limited. We await government’s response to its call for evidence on increasing private investment in nature recovery to assess this further.

Government’s response to recommendation 6

The government accepts this recommendation.

We agree that stronger incentives and effective market governance are needed to mobilise private investment towards environmental goals. In our response to our Call for Evidence on expanding the role of the private sector in nature recovery (March 2026), we set out the need for clearer signals to unlock demand and build investor confidence.

The revised EIP (December 2025) commits to regulatory reform to encourage business innovation and investment, and to ensure that those using natural assets contribute to restoration costs. It also sets out actions to strengthen incentives for businesses to reduce and offset environmental impacts, and to invest in nature‑based solutions to improve resilience.

We will set out next steps on governance for voluntary carbon and nature markets in the Government response to the Voluntary Carbon and Nature Markets consultation later in 2026.

OEP recommendation 7 – Regulate more effectively

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Full implementation and enforcement of existing regulations would accelerate progress. Government has accepted our recommendation. We consider that progress during the reporting period has been mixed. We will continue to assess progress as government considers the recommendations from the Corry review and identifies next steps.

Government’s response to recommendation 7

The government accepts this recommendation.

As set out in our response in October 2025, the government agrees that effective, proportionate regulation is essential to accelerating the delivery of environmental outcomes alongside sustainable economic growth. We are delivering a programme of reform following the Corry Review of Defra’s regulatory landscape, which identified how regulation can better support growth while maintaining environmental protections.

This programme includes:

piloting a Lead Environmental Regulator model for complex projects
publishing Strategic Policy Statements for the Environment Agency and Natural England
reviewing and streamlining key regulatory guidance
establishing a Defra Group Infrastructure Board to resolve barriers early and improve system‑wide coordination

Resetting regulation is at the core of the government’s ‘New Vision for Water,’ published in January this year. To ensure more effective regulation across the water sector, we are establishing a new integrated water regulator to provide greater stability, transparency, and an integrated view of both economic and environmental performance.

A new supervisory approach will shift regulation towards being more proactive and targeted to the specific needs of each water company to improve performance – while also increasing grip over water company delivery. These reforms will establish a stronger and more proactive model for the new regulator to intervene early to help underperforming water companies:

tackle poor performance and recover faster
attract the investment they need
improve long-term financial resilience
improve asset health
improve environmental performance

OEP recommendation 8 - Harness the support needed to achieve ambitions

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government needs to provide clear leadership at the highest level to ensure cross government delivery, wider stakeholder buy-in and public support for action. Government has accepted and deferred a full response to our recommendation. We did not assess progress during the reporting period as government indicated that the EIP25 will include a more streamlined and effective plan of action linking government actions and the role of key delivery organisations. The EIP25 will also consider actions across government and wider society and how these actions interface as part of a system to improve the natural environment. We will assess this further after analysing the EIP25.

Government’s response to recommendation 8

The government accepts this recommendation.

Achieving our environmental ambitions requires collective action from individuals, communities, and organisations across all sectors. The revised EIP clearly identifies responsibilities of key government departments, delivery bodies, regulators, and stakeholders; and commits to mobilise business and private finance and to enable more sustainable choices across society. Defra continues to agree that clear government leadership is needed to harness support for delivery.

Many government departments and delivery bodies are delivering key EIP measures from the Energising Britain Plan published by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), such as:

the roll out of new electric vehicles by the Department for Transport (DfT)
the reviewing of water efficiency, recycling and drainage standards by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG)

The Cross-Government Environment Board drives forward EIP implementation, including oversight of the application of key measures such as the Environmental Principles Policy Statement.

Defra also continues to engage constructively with external stakeholders to help inform policy and ensure delivery is commensurate with our goals, including through newly established groups such as the National Estate for Nature (NEN).

OEP recommendation 9 – Deliver a plan for Good Environmental Status (marine)

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has partially accepted our recommendation relating to implementing a fully evidenced, resourced and time-bound delivery plan that sets out how the good environmental status of marine waters target will be achieved as quickly as possible. Progress over the annual reporting period has been limited. Therefore, this recommendation still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 9

The government partially accepts this recommendation.

This work is already underway as part of the regulatory requirements of the Marine Strategy Regulations 2010. We are updating the UK marine strategy part 2 - monitoring programmes. The Good Environmental Status (GES) status of marine waters target is the collective responsibility of all 4 UK administrations and developed collaboratively. The timescale and pace at which Good Environmental Status is to be achieved is for the 4 nations to agree.

Defra has also agreed a schedule of engagement with the OEP to discuss the progress of UKMS implementation.

OEP recommendation 10 – Revise interim targets in the EIP

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has deferred a full response to our recommendation relating to defining in a revised EIP a set of interim targets which together are consistent with the overall trajectory of environmental improvement required to meet EA21 targets. Government states that the revised EIP will clarify EA21 target delivery plans and update their corresponding interim targets. We have not assessed progress regarding this recommendation but will do so after analysing the EIP25. Therefore, this recommendation still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 10

The government accepts this recommendation.

We published updated EA21 interim targets and published the EIP Target Delivery Plans alongside the EIP25 in December 2025. These set out for the first time, more detailed delivery information for each target, including the policy rationale for the interim targets contribution to the statutory targets, and information on the key delivery mechanisms.

OEP recommendation 11 – Strengthen species abundance measurement

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has accepted our recommendation relating to consulting on the indicator underpinning the species abundance index used to monitor progress with the EA21 species abundance targets. Progress over the annual reporting period has been good. Government has published and updated the data and methodology underpinning the index. Furthermore, Defra officials have engaged positively with stakeholders. We encourage this level of engagement and transparency in the finalisation of the index.

Government’s response to recommendation 11

We now consider this recommendation complete.

We accepted this recommendation and are pleased to see the OEP welcomes our approach. The published statistic is an official statistic in development, which invites user and stakeholder engagement. Read Indicators of species abundance in England: Response to feedback for further details.

OEP recommendation 12 – Remove barriers to local air quality improvement

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has partially accepted our recommendation on carrying out a comprehensive audit of local authority powers and barriers to delivery. Progress during the annual reporting period has been mixed as there has been some engagement with local authorities but no formal audit has been published. Therefore, this recommendation still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 12

The government partially accepts this recommendation.

Defra will not be publishing a formal audit. This work is embedded within our standard operating approach. Defra is continuing to work collaboratively with local authorities. We are currently surveying local authorities on priority topics for webinars to assist with reporting and action planning. We are also engaging specific councils to present case studies, offering an air quality officer’s perspective.

OEP recommendation 13 – Update the Clean Air Strategy

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has deferred a response to our recommendation on updating the Clean Air Strategy while addressing weakened accountability and transparency. Progress during the annual reporting period has been mixed and government stated that no decisions have been taken on replacing the National Air Pollution Control Programme. Therefore, this recommendation still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 13

The government partially accepts this recommendation.

The UK already publishes a significant amount of information regarding air quality. On an annual basis, the UK government publishes an emissions inventory which sets out whether the UK has met its existing emissions targets for the 5 key air pollutants:

nitrogen oxides
ammonia
non-methane volatile organic compounds
PM2.5
sulphur dioxide

It also publishes emissions projections which show whether the UK is on course to meet its future emission targets based on firm and funded policies and measures.

Previously the government also published a National Air Pollution Control Programme (NAPCP) which showed whether the policies under consideration were sufficient to close any gaps where a target had been missed or was projected to be missed.

The NAPCP was a disproportionately complex process which was not accessible - the consultation in 2022 received just 55 responses. Of those who expressed a view, there was a consensus that the format was too lengthy and technical. As such, the requirement to publish this programme was revoked by the Retained EU Law Act.

As set out in the EIP, we are now putting in place a new publication that will include the key information contained in the NAPCP, however it will be simpler and clearer to a wider range of interested parties. Where an emission target is missed, or is projected to be missed, the government will:

publish a paper setting out the policies and measures under development
provide an assessment of the abatement potential of those policies and measures
explain how they will deliver the level of abatement needed to achieve the National Emission Ceilings

The next review of our statutory Air Quality Strategy is due to be completed by mid-2028.

OEP recommendation 14 – Strengthen legal air quality standards

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has rejected our recommendation to consider a review of statutory air quality standards to improve public health outcomes. Progress during the annual reporting period has been limited. However, government has stated that they will consider WHO guidelines and other countries’ targets when considering future long-term targets. Therefore, this recommendation still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 14

The government defers a full response to this recommendation.

Significant progress has been made on improving air quality in England, however, there is more to do to unlock benefits for public health, the environment, and the economy. Air pollution is a complex issue with multiple sources. As outlined in the EIP, the government is taking steps to curb emissions from persistent sources, including road transport and the increasing use of wood-burning stoves and open fires. We will review the Air Quality Strategy by 2028.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) considers PM2.5 the pollutant which is most damaging to human health. England has made rapid progress in reducing PM2.5 concentrations and in 2024 we surpassed the interim PM 2.5 targets set in the EIP to be achieved in 2028. As such, in the 2025 EIP, we have increased our ambition by setting revised PM2.5 interim targets for 2030. We will monitor concentrations of PM2.5 over the coming years before making decisions on next steps.

The WHO guidelines are intended to inform the setting of air quality standards and are not ready-made targets for adoption, as they do not consider achievability or individual countries’ circumstances. Concentrations of pollutants do not necessarily reduce in a linear manner and are often influenced by events it is not possible to fully predict. However, the government will consider the WHO guidelines and other countries’ targets as part of an evidence-led project when considering future long-term targets for air quality.

OEP recommendation 15 – Set interim targets for water outcomes

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has deferred a full response to both recommendations. Progress during the annual reporting period has been limited. Government has stated that the revised EIP will clarify EA21 target delivery plans and update their corresponding interim targets. Furthermore, the government’s full response to the Independent Water Commission’s recommendations will provide additional clarification. Therefore, these recommendations still stand.

Government’s response to recommendation 15 – Set interim targets for water outcomes

The government accepts this recommendation.

In December 2025, the government set interim targets for water outcomes in the revised EIP. The government also published delivery plans for all targets alongside the revised EIP. These set out how the government intends to meet the targets in the long term, with particular focus on delivery in the next 5 years.

OEP recommendation 16 – Align delivery plans and investment with targets

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has deferred a full response to both recommendations. Progress during the annual reporting period has been limited. Government has stated that the revised EIP will clarify EA21 target delivery plans and update their corresponding interim targets. Furthermore, the government’s full response to the Independent Water Commission’s recommendations will provide additional clarification. Therefore, these recommendations still stand.

Government’s response to recommendation 16

The government defers a full response to this recommendation.

As set out in our response to recommendation 10, we published updated EA21 interim targets and published the EIP Target Delivery Plans alongside the EIP25 in December 2025. These set out for the first time, more detailed delivery information for each target, including the policy rationale for the interim targets contribution to the statutory targets, and information on the key delivery mechanisms.

The UK’s National Targets and the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan were published on 1 August 2024 and 26 February 2025, respectively. These commit us to achieving all 23 targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The Environmental Improvement Plan (2025) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework maps the UK’s National Targets against the EIP outcomes – demonstrating how EIP outcomes will contribute to delivering the UK National Targets and ultimately our contribution to meeting the GBF.

The government set out its response to the Independent Water Commission’s final recommendations through the ‘A new vision for water’ White Paper (published 20 January). The Clean Water Bill will bring forward root and branch reform to secure better outcomes for customers, investors, and the environment, and to restore trust and accountability.

In the Water White Paper, the government committed to delivering an enhanced, better joined up regional water planning function. Regional planning will support more integrated, catchment-scale planning, and help identify lower-cost and higher-impact solutions to improve water quality and supply, considering opportunities across sectors. This will enable a greater uptake in preventative interventions and nature-based solutions where appropriate, to reduce long-term costs and improve resilience.

In the Water White Paper, the government also committed to explore setting new ambitious overarching targets for the water environment. These would enable better alignment between the government, regional water planning, regulators, the water industry, and the private sector to deliver agreed outcomes more effectively while maintaining environmental standards.

In the meantime, we continue to work towards our obligation to secure continuous improvement for the water environment.

Through the Clean Water Bill, government will pursue an ambitious, coherent reset of the legislative framework - this includes exploring updates to the Water Framework Directive Regulations 2017, where needed, to facilitate reforms to the water system.

By seeking specific and limited powers to update and amend the legislative framework, and through careful rationalisation of legislation, where needed, we will help deliver the government’s overall ambition to clean up rivers, lakes, and streams.

OEP recommendation 17 – Reduce land-based mercury emissions

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has deferred a response to our recommendation to publish and implement new crematoria guidance. However, progress during the annual reporting period has been good. Government has stated that the guidance is being updated and will be published in due course.

Government’s response to recommendation 17

The government accepts this recommendation.

The crematoria process guidance note has now been published. We now consider this recommendation complete.

OEP recommendation 18 – Reduce pesticide risks beyond ELM

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has partially accepted our recommendation to reduce the risk posed by pesticides by targeting other drivers through interventions beyond ELMs. Progress during the annual reporting period has been limited even with the publication of the UK National Action Plan for Pesticides. Therefore, this recommendation still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 18

The government accepts this recommendation.

We published the UK National Action Plan for Pesticides (NAP) in March 2025, which sets out the actions we will take to reduce the risks and impacts of pesticides on human health and the environment. It sets a target to reduce pesticide pressure on the environment by at least 10% by 2030.

OEP recommendation 19 – Produce a Chemicals Strategy

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has deferred a full response to our recommendation to publish a UK Chemicals Strategy stating that it intends to set out its approach to chemicals management in the EIP25. As we consider that a strategy is still needed to achieve government’s long-term goals, this recommendation still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 19

The government partially accepts this recommendation.

The UK government’s strategic approach to chemicals management is now articulated in goal 4 of the revised EIP, rather than a standalone strategy.

The EIP clearly sets out how we plan to manufacture, use, manage and dispose of chemicals and pesticides safely, including the products that contain them, so that they continue to benefit the public without dangerous impacts on health. The UK government will aim to do this in a targeted, transparent, and proportionate way that supports innovation in safer alternatives, working closely with our international partners.

To deliver this, the UK government will continue to use our chemicals regulation, including UK REACH, to evaluate and manage the risks posed by chemicals to human health and the environment.

OEP recommendation 20 – Establish chemicals and pesticides

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has accepted our recommendation on the need to deliver a terrestrial chemicals and pesticides monitoring programme. Progress during the annual reporting period on delivering a programme has been limited. However, government has stated that it is working towards delivery of research and development for terrestrial monitoring. Therefore, this recommendation still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 20

The government accepts this recommendation.

Defra continues to work towards the delivery of research and development (R&D) for terrestrial monitoring.

Defra has provided funding to Natural England workstreams relating to:

developing monitoring of red foxes
metals and perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
through analysis of pathological and residue data for birds, foxes, and beaver

OEP recommendation 21 – Apply circular economy principles to chemicals

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has accepted our recommendation on the need to consider the whole life cycle of chemicals when designing new policy and regulation. The forthcoming Circular Economy [Growth Plan] for England includes chemicals and plastics as one of the priority sectors. Progress during the annual reporting period has been mixed. Therefore, this recommendation still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 21

The government accepts this recommendation.

Defra has continued working with the Circular Economy Taskforce and officials across government to develop a strategy for the Circular Economy. We have engaged with them in respect of how this relates to the chemicals sector and will await the publication of proposed next steps. We recognise that the chemicals industry has a part to play in this work and we will continue to engage with them. We will additionally continue to monitor the situation and how this aligns with our other critical work in this area.

OEP recommendation 22 – Improve coordination in chemical regulation

New recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): To make the management of harmful chemicals more efficient, coherent, and transparent across the UK chemical regulatory framework, government should optimise the use of resources, expertise and cooperation among the UK bodies performing technical and policy work on chemicals. This would include improving the sharing and use of data across responsible departments, such as through a ‘one substance, one assessment’ framework.

Government’s response to recommendation 22

The government partially accepts this recommendation.

We agree that we should continue to work with regulators to improve how they work together across the system of chemicals management, however our plans do not extend to undertaking any structural changes or new regulations.

This recommendation aligns with existing work by Defra to support cross-organisational working, including ongoing joint work between Defra and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to develop a consistent and coherent system-wide approach to chemicals regulation. On priority areas, such as PFAS, the PFAS Plan provides an improved framework for regulators to work together, share information that informs risk assessments and regulation on PFAS, and coordinate in a more structured way. The UK REACH governance structure also already includes both the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency.

OEP recommendation 23 – Set a clear UK chemicals policy framework

New recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): To foster environmental improvement and economic growth, the government must establish a clear vision for UK chemicals policy, such as through a comprehensive UK Chemicals Strategy. This vision should include how it will prioritise addressing chemical risks and outline the development and implementation of a coherent, credible regulatory framework for chemicals.

Government’s response to recommendation 23

The government partially accepts this recommendation.

The UK government’s strategic approach to chemicals management is now articulated in goal 4 of the revised EIP, rather than a standalone strategy.

OEP recommendation 24 – Deliver digital waste tracking

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has partially accepted our recommendation to implement the delayed digital waste tracking scheme and collection and packaging reforms along with further supporting measures. Progress during the annual reporting period has been mixed. While actions are being taken to progress the delayed measures, there is still a lack of medium and long-term measures to deliver the EA21 target on residual waste and other commitments. Therefore, this recommendation still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 24

The government accepts this recommendation.

Defra agree that waste tracking and the packaging reform implementation are key to supporting the transition to a circular economy and meeting our residual waste targets.

Mandatory digital waste tracking is being implemented in a phased way beginning with a service for permitted waste receiving site operators. Legislation to support this phasing has been laid and will come into force in October 2026.

The digital system is now live for software developers to integrate with and permitted waste receiving site operators to use. The service will then be further developed to encompass full end to end waste movement information and expanded to other waste operators from April 2027.

A detailed progress report on these targets can be found in the APR.

OEP recommendation 25 – Deliver a circular economy growth plan

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government accepted and deferred a full response to our recommendation on accelerating progress towards a zero-waste economy. We are unable to assess progress regarding this recommendation as the Circular Economy [Growth Plan] is still in development. Therefore, this recommendation still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 25

The government accepts this recommendation.

The government convened a Circular Economy Taskforce of experts to help map the transition to a more resource efficient, waste free economy.

We intend to publish the Circular Economy Growth Plan soon. The Plan will set out how government will deliver a more circular and more prosperous economy.

Meanwhile we continue to push forward new policy and delivery to progress the government’s circular economy ambitions.

OEP recommendation 26 – Eliminate waste crime and strengthen enforcement

New recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Defra should accelerate progress on waste crime by developing coherent policies and strategies designed to deliver the commitment to seek to eliminate waste crime by 2042. The policies should maximise the role of multi-agency groups, support effective regulation in areas such as the waste duty of care and increase coordination between agencies. They should target key pressures in the urban, rural, and marine environments to deliver progress towards the commitment and help reduce significant environmental and societal impacts.

Government’s response to recommendation 26

The government accepts this recommendation.

The government agrees with the recommendation and in March 2026 published the Waste Crime Action Plan which sets out a suite of interventions and coordinated action which will achieve the outcomes intended in the recommendation.

Interventions that will address points in the recommendation include a detailed review of the multi-agency response to waste crime from local to national, proactively identifying, and pursuing opportunities to prevent, disrupt and prosecute offences.

This will strengthen our collective operational response and ensure that our joint capabilities, including the Joint Unit for Waste Crime, continue to develop and reflect the severity of waste crime today.

OEP recommendation 27 – Strengthen regulation for sustainable soil management

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has deferred a full response to our recommendation to deliver sustainable soil management, such as through an effective soil protection regulatory framework. Progress during the annual reporting period has been limited. Government has stated that it will continue to review and consider all legislative and non-legislative measures that support healthy, functioning, and resilient soils across England. Therefore, this recommendation still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 27

The government defers a full response to this recommendation.

Defra will continue to review and consider all legislative and non-legislative measures that support healthy, functioning, and resilient soils across England. In January 2026, A New Vision for Water was published with the commitment to consolidate agricultural water regulations into one England-wide framework, with air and soil as required.

To address agricultural pollution, the commitment was also made to consolidate the existing regulatory framework into a single set of stronger and clearer national standards.

Where necessary, the standards will also be strengthened and extended to bring best practices into regulations to deliver improvements in the water environment and where appropriate, additional protections for air quality and soil health.

OEP recommendation 28 – Improve support for sustainable soil management

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has accepted our recommendation to increase the cohesiveness and coherence of sustainable soil management practices. It notes new Sustainable Farming Incentive soil actions, the Environment Agency’s Agricultural Land and Environment Risk and Opportunity Tool and additional free educational events. Progress during the annual reporting period has been limited. Therefore, this recommendation still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 28

The government accepts this recommendation.

Under the Sustainable Farming Incentive Scheme, farmers will continue to be paid for actions that improve soil health by using sustainable practices. In April 2026, the National Soil Map for England and Wales (NATMAP), alongside a range of additional LandIS (Land Information System) datasets, became openly accessible through a new public portal.

Free public access to this data will help farmers in England and Wales to make more informed, sustainable soil management decisions, supporting long term food production and adaptation to the impacts of climate change.

OEP recommendation 29 – Embed sustainability in supply chains

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has accepted our recommendation to improve the sustainability of supply chains by enhancing and reporting on its approach to green public procurement. It highlights the new National Procurement Policy Statement and the implementation of a mandatory 10% minimum evaluation weighting for Social Value. Progress during the annual reporting period has been limited. Therefore, this recommendation still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 29

The government accepts this recommendation.

The government encourages the public sector to engage in green public procurement to deliver best value for the taxpayer, drive economic growth, and support UK suppliers.

The National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) emphasises delivering environmental outcomes, and the public sector should make use of the flexibilities of the Procurement Act 2023 to consider wider impacts beyond the lowest cost.

The Greening Government Commitments (GGC) and Government Buying Standards (GBS) are being updated to strengthen sustainability standards and improve reporting transparency. These measures will improve the government’s ability to monitor progress and support environmental targets.

These combined measures and forthcoming updates will improve the government’s ability to monitor progress and support the delivery of its environmental targets through public procurement.

OEP recommendation 30 – Align fisheries policy with Good Environmental Status

New recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government should accelerate action to deliver Good Environmental Status and sustainable fisheries by refining and publishing policies and strategies to provide resilient commercial fish and shellfish resources in the long-term. This requires improving efforts to better align Total Allowable Catches to scientific advice and improving data collection to ensure scientific advice is robust and fully defensible.

Government’s response to recommendation 30

The government rejects this recommendation.

This recommendation duplicates existing commitments including to meet Good Environmental Status (GES). GES is described in more detail in recommendations 3 and 9.

We do not see a benefit in publishing more strategies. The policies to deliver the commitments in the Fisheries Act 2020 are set out in the Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS). The first Report on the Joint Fisheries Statement on the JFS was published in March. Defra’s fisheries policies are aligned with the UK Marine Strategy.

Actions and policies to restore or maintain key fish stocks are set out in the 43 Fisheries Management Plans listed in Annex A of the JFS. These cover quota and non-quota stocks and cover, where appropriate, improving data and evidence collection.

More broadly, on improving data and scientific advice, we are working with the EU to commission joint advice from the International Council for the Exploitation of the Seas (ICES) on a number of data poor stocks including crab and scallop. The UK also produces an annual workplan and annual report setting out fisheries and aquaculture data collection for the coming year. This is overseen by UK-wide governance groups, enabling us to routinely update, and deliver on our data collection needs and commitments across a yearly cycle.

In 2026 to 2027, we aim to fund up to £11.39 million in fisheries data collection and scientific advice, delivered through surveys and ICES membership.

The OEP will appreciate that the setting of Total Allowable catches and quotas are subject to negotiation with the EU and coastal States and therefore are not solely in the gift of the UK government to deliver.

An annual assessment of the sustainability outcomes from annual consultations and negotiations on quota stocks is published. Read the Assessing the sustainability of fisheries catch limits negotiated by the UK for 2026 for latest assessment.

OEP recommendation 31 – Integrate climate risk into targets and planning

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has deferred a full response to our recommendation to include a climate risk assessment in each review of the EIP and when considering whether to set, revise or replace any targets. We have not assessed progress regarding this recommendation but will do so after analysing the EIP25. Therefore, this recommendation still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 31

We now consider this recommendation complete.

Defra has in place a process for ongoing cycles of review to consider climate in both EIP and Environment Act targets. The revised EIP includes a chapter on climate which contains the overall vision:

We will reduce greenhouse gas emissions to accelerate to net zero and work to prepare the natural environment for the effects of climate change.

Each EIP chapter references climate considerations. This includes a range of actions including: the role that environmental principles have in helping deliver outcomes for the climate and environment, even where it is not the primary policy outcome, including:

the role of Local Nature Recovery Strategies
creation of Nature Restoration Fund
the delivery of terrestrial and marine protection and management to improve climate change resilience to name a few

Defra expects to publish the next National Adaptation Programme in 2028 which will support the ongoing review and consideration of our approach to managing climate risks. In addition, any new policy will undergo an environmental principles policy statement assessment, which includes the consideration of climate resilience.

The recently published Land Use Framework will be fundamental in setting out how we can use our land more effectively to enable a thriving natural environment that is resilient to a changing climate.

Development of the revised interim EA21 targets, as embedded in the EIP, considered climate risks within their assurance process. Target delivery plans will continue to be refined over time in response to emerging evidence and ongoing policy evaluations.

OEP recommendation 32 – Improve management of surface water flooding

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has accepted and deferred a full response to our recommendation for lead local authorities to establish delivery plans for surface water flooding. Government has indicated they will address this recommendation in their response to the National Infrastructure Assessment. Therefore, we are currently unable to assess progress regarding this recommendation, and it still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 32

The government accepts this recommendation.

The government agrees that effective management of surface water flooding relies on strong collaborative working. Lead local flood authorities (LLFAs) have a statutory role in managing local flood risk from surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses through the development and delivery of Local Flood Risk Management Strategies, working closely with other risk management authorities, including highways authorities and water companies.

In 2025, we consulted on ways to strengthen strategic flood risk planning. This included exploring how local flood risk management strategies could play a stronger role in shaping investment priorities, improving alignment between local, regional and catchment scale plans, and better reflecting local choice and community need.

We will continue to explore ways to improve local flood risk management, including better alignment between strategic flood planning, water planning, and wider place-based plans.

OEP recommendation 33 – Deliver sustainable drainage systems

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has deferred a full response to our recommendation to bring into force Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and update its technical standards for sustainable drainage systems. Progress during the annual reporting period has been mixed, and government has indicated that a decision on the way forward will be made in the coming months. Therefore, this recommendation still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 33

The government defers a full response to this recommendation.

This deferral is due to the recent consultation.

New National Standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) were published in June 2025.

Between 16 December 2025 and 10 March 2026 the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) consulted on changes to the National Planning Policy Framework. This included a proposed new requirement that SuDS are designed in line with the new national standards. We are currently analysing the feedback received and will publish our response in due course.

MHCLG have also consulted on proposals to increase the adoption of estate amenities on new development, including SuDS, and are now considering next steps. The consultation sought views on how government can tackle the root causes and incentives that have led to the rise of unadopted amenities on new freehold estates in England to ensure increased adoption by public authorities.

OEP recommendation 34 – Improve flood resilience measurement and targets

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has partially accepted our recommendation on expanding the monitoring of flood resilience measures. Government has stated that while the current metric is simple and widely understood, they are considering how to measure progress for the next investment programme due to start in April 2026. Therefore, we are currently unable to assess progress regarding this recommendation, and it still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 34

The government partially accepts this recommendation.

The Environment Agency, working with Defra, has established 2 new outcome metrics: economic benefits and risk to properties.  The risk to properties outcome metric combines the properties benefitting from floods investment with risk information. This metric assesses how many fewer properties would flood in a modelled average year due to the investments made in flood and coastal projects.

The Environment Agency’s Long Term Investment Scenarios (LTIS) are being updated in 2026 to assess long-term trends in changes in risk associated with different investment levels, climate change, asset deterioration, and development in the floodplain. LTIS analysis will help inform the analysis of net reduction in flood risk to properties.

This new evidence will inform the ongoing work to explore the merits of setting a long-term target for flood risk management.

OEP recommendation 35 – Develop a heat resilience strategy

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has rejected our recommendation to develop a dedicated heat resilience strategy. Progress during the annual reporting period has been limited in addressing this issue. The Climate Change Committee (CCC) have identified the lack of a coherent cross-government strategy to help coordinate action on tackling urban heat nationally and at local level as a key policy gap and recommended that government develop one. Therefore, this recommendation still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 35

The government rejects this recommendation.

We recognise the critical importance of adapting the UK to the impacts of climate change, including to heatwaves. Through the third National Adaptation Programme (NAP3), we are already taking action to manage the impacts of high temperatures and overheating across all sectors, with clearly identified roles and responsibilities across government, and therefore consider this recommendation would be duplicative of existing measures.

For example, within the NAP3 cycle MHCLG has introduced Awaab’s Law in the social rent sector, forcing social landlords to take urgent repairs action within fixed timescales. Forthcoming Phase 2 regulations will extend this to include a wider range of hazards, including excess heat and excess cold, which will consider particularly where specific vulnerabilities increase the risk of harm.

In addition, the Building Safety Regulator has committed to undertake a full technical review of Part O (Overheating) of the Building Regulations to ensure it is effective, proportionate, and fit for a changing climate.

DESNZ’s Warm Homes Plan also set out the government’s approach to retrofitting and climate adaptation, including the intention to introduce passive cooling measures into funding schemes focused on low-income homes and social housing over the course of this Parliament.

DESNZ is also conducting further research seeking to develop robust metrics and indicators for tracking progress, and evidence to inform decisions on adapting our building stock.

The government is committed to building on the policies outlined above to set stronger adaptation objectives to improve preparedness for climate impacts, supporting an ambitious fourth National Adaptation Programme in 2028.

OEP recommendation 36 – Deliver a wildfire strategy and action plan

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has deferred a full response to our recommendation on the Wildfire Strategy and Action Plan to set clear targets for wildfire reduction, implement adaptative and preventative measures, enhance public awareness and strengthen the evidence base. Progress during the annual reporting period has been mixed and government has indicated that it is considering its next steps on policy options for wildfire. Therefore, this recommendation still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 36

The government partially accepts this recommendation.

The government is developing a cross-government wildfire action plan but currently has no plans to publish. The government recognises the importance of coordinated action to address the increasing risk of wildfire. To strengthen coordination, MHCLG and Defra have established joint governance arrangements, bringing together relevant departments and partners to oversee work on wildfire risk anticipation and assessment, preparedness, prevention, response, and recovery.

Through this governance, the government is developing the cross‑government Wildfire Action Plan, focused on practical priorities and operational delivery. Decisions on whether and how to take forward a longer‑term overarching wildfire strategy will be considered as part of this work.

OEP recommendation 37 – Address delays in public consultation for Pathway Action Plans (PAPs)

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has accepted our recommendation to address the unnecessary delay regarding the public consultation on Pathway Action Plans (PAPs). Progress has been good and consultation on PAPs has taken place.

Government’s response to recommendation 37

We now consider this recommendation complete.

Defra, in conjunction with the Welsh and Scottish Governments, have completed the consultation on Pathway Action Plans (PAPs) and have published the government response to the consultation in 2025. We are now working to deliver the updated PAPs in line with the consultation response.

With respect to the implementation plan, Defra will update the plan-on-a-page in due course to highlight priority workstreams, key actions, and where possible specific timeframes and deliverables.

OEP recommendation 38 – Deliver Pathway Action Plans for invasive species

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has accepted our recommendation to publish an implementation plan for the GB Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) Strategy and published a ‘Plan on a Page’. Progress during the annual reporting period has been mixed as the level of detail it provides means it falls short of being an implementation plan as outlined in the GB INNS Strategy. Therefore, this recommendation still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 38

The government accepts this recommendation.

Defra, in conjunction with the Welsh and Scottish Governments have completed the consultation on pathway action plans and have published the government response to the consultation in 2025. We are now working to deliver the updated PAPs in line with the consultation response.

Defra will update the plan-on-a-page in due course to highlight priority workstreams, key actions, and specific timeframes and deliverables where possible.

OEP recommendation 39 – Establish a risk-based INNS surveillance programme

New recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): To deliver the scale of improvements needed to reduce the number of introductions, establishments and impacts of INNS, government should develop and implement a more systematic risk-based programme of surveillance.

Government’s response to recommendation 39

The government partially accepts this recommendation and defers a full response.

Further work is needed to identify the scope and full resourcing ask associated with this recommendation.

Defra acknowledges the intent of this recommendation and notes its specification in the Evidence Strategic Plan. However, this is just one point within the GB INNS Evidence Strategic Plan. Defra chose to focus research in 2025 towards the impacts of INNS, as set out under “Key priority and evidence gaps – Impacts” within the evidence plan.

Defra, working in partnership with the Welsh and Scottish Governments, will need to be advised by the Research Working Group on where this recommendation’s identified research gap fits in the prioritisation of INNS research within the wider plan.

OEP recommendation 40 – Strengthen enforcement powers for invasive species control

New recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government should strengthen prevention of introductions and establishments of INNS by expanding the size of the Non-native Species Inspectorate (NNSI) and giving it the legal powers equivalent to those for animal and plant health.

Government’s response to recommendation 40

The government rejects this recommendation.

The NNSI already has the power to enter dwellings (which includes houses) when there is necessity and where a warrant has been obtained. It is Defra’s view that the NNSI has the appropriate powers to carry out its work and already possesses the powers recommended by the OEP.

In the Post Implementation review for the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019, evidence collected from relevant enforcement bodies concluded that:

All the enforcement bodies thought that the Order is robust and gives good workable powers. The enforcement powers are seen as an improvement on powers in other similar legislation and the more straightforward evidential requirements detailed in the Order enable enforcement bodies to take action more immediately than with similar legislation.

With respect to the size of the NNSI, Defra will continue to work with APHA to ensure that they continue to refine their approach to enforcement and prioritise their tasks to ensure maximum delivery from within the available resource. This will also allow resourcing issues to be more readily identified and potential additional mitigative action applied.

OEP recommendation 41 – Embed green infrastructure in planning

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has partially accepted our recommendation to make the Green Infrastructure Framework a material consideration in planning. Progress during the annual reporting period has been good. Aspects of the Green Infrastructure Framework were further embedded into the National Planning Policy Framework.

Government’s response to recommendation 41

The government partially accepts this recommendation.

Whether a consideration is material depends on the individual planning decision in question. Between 16 December 2025 and 10 March 2026, the government consulted on changes to the National Planning Policy Framework.

The consultation included changes designed to be clear that planners should be drawing on the tools Natural England have made available through the Green Infrastructure Framework.

We are currently analysing the feedback received and will publish our response in due course.

OEP recommendation 42 – Use access to green space indicators

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has accepted our recommendation to use the access to green space indicator to direct interventions. Progress during the annual reporting period has been good. Government’s response cites the example of its use in designating nine new National River Walks, although no information about this has been made public.

Government’s response to recommendation 42

We now consider this recommendation complete.

The 15‑minute access metric is already being integrated into programmes such as River Walks. We will continue to explore further opportunities to use the statistic, and underlying data, to direct policy intervention through the Access to Nature Green Paper.

OEP recommendation 43 – Align planning with access to nature outcomes

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has accepted our recommendation to harness synergies between departments’ objectives and minimise trade-offs between planning and access to nature priorities. Progress during the reporting year has been limited. There have been specific cross-department policies and delivery level collaborations but there is still a long way to go at the strategic level – particularly regarding engagement with nature in the health and education sectors. Therefore, this recommendation still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 43

The government accepts this recommendation.

We accept this recommendation, noting that the 15-minute access metric is already being integrated into programmes such as River Walks. We will continue to explore further opportunities to use the statistic to direct policy intervention through the Access to Nature Green Paper.

Between 16 December 2025 and 10 March 2026, government consulted on changes to the National Planning Policy Framework. The consultation included proposals to promote the creation of healthy and inclusive places. These would make it clear that development plans should set local standards for the provision of different types of outdoor recreational land, including:

play
sport
informal recreation
allotments

Plans should draw upon relevant national standards and best practice, tailoring these as necessary to local circumstances and evidence, including the suite of Green Infrastructure Standards for England published by Natural England. We are currently analysing the feedback received and will publish our response in due course.

OEP recommendation 44 – Set a clear timeline for access to nature targets

New recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): To inform a delivery plan and monitoring, and to provide a more influential target that can be integrated into other strategies and policies, government should specify a timeframe for achieving the commitment that everyone should live within a 15-minute walk of green or blue space.

Government’s response to recommendation 44

The government accepts this recommendation and defers a full response.

The 15‑minute access metric is already being integrated into programmes such as River Walks. However, further work is required to refine how the metric is applied in practice and to establish a clear timeframe and measurable target.

OEP recommendation 45 – Define sectoral pathways for green finance

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has accepted and deferred a full response to our recommendation to define and publish sectoral pathways for nature recovery. Progress during the annual reporting period has been limited. Government has stated that they will provide more detail on this in the EIP25. Therefore, this recommendation still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 45

The government accepts this recommendation.

EIP25’s first action under the commitment to mobilise private investment and finance to restore and protect nature in England is to support nature positive pathways. Defra will continue to provide a role in funding, oversight, and policy alignment as this work progresses. DESNZ will also continue to work on relevant decarbonisation pathways such as food and agriculture, and the Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) Industrial Strategy priority sectors include agri-tech.

OEP recommendation 46 – Monitor and evaluate environmental investment

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has accepted and deferred a full response to our recommendation to develop a monitoring and evaluation framework for tracking investment flows. Progress during the reporting year has been mixed. Government has stated that they agree this is important and they are developing a mechanism to monitor and report on economy-wide expenditure on nature’s recovery. Therefore, this recommendation still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 46

The government accepts this recommendation.

We agree that it is important to monitor the growth of private finance into nature’s recovery. Detailed progress reports will be in the Environmental Improvement Plan Annual Progress Report.

We continue to explore the most appropriate performance metrics and data sources to monitor and report on economy-wide expenditure on nature’s recovery. Alongside this, we have continued to work with the Green Finance Institute, which hosts data and information on nature project performance on its ‘Hive’ platform.

OEP recommendation 47 – Develop an action plan for nature markets

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has partially accepted our recommendation to systematically review and address the risks and opportunities to growing nature markets and publish an action plan to address these. Progress during the annual reporting period has been mixed. Government has stated that they will consider risks and opportunities as part of EIP monitoring and reporting. Therefore, this recommendation still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 47

The government partially accepts this recommendation.

We agree that it is important to monitor the growth of nature markets. We will continue to consider the risks and opportunities for these markets as part of the Environmental Improvement Plan monitoring and reporting framework, rather than a separate action plan. This will help ensure that investment is considered as part of the overall strategy development and reporting.

OEP recommendation 48 – Strengthen green choices and behaviour change

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has accepted our recommendation to apply the green choices principles holistically to strategies and policies. Government has stated that the role of behaviour change would be considered in the revision of the EIP and its delivery. We have not assessed progress regarding this recommendation but will do so after analysing the EIP25. Therefore, this recommendation still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 48

The government accepts this recommendation.

EIP25 committed to address barriers to sustainable choices across society. We are taking action to design for, support, and promote public engagement and action on sustainable behaviours across the EIP goals, in alignment with the updated principles set out in Energising Britain, the government’s public participation plan.

More detail on individual action is in the Annual Progress Report.

OEP recommendation 49 – Revise the Food Strategy for environmental outcomes

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has accepted our recommendation that Defra should revise the Food Strategy to make better use of all green choice principles. Progress during the annual reporting period has been mixed. A new Food Strategy has been published but the associated delivery plans are still in development. Therefore, this recommendation still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 49

The government accepts this recommendation.

The Good Food Cycle document published in July 2025 set out a vision for the food system, including 10 priority outcomes and an overview of activity underway to deliver those outcomes. The green choice principles have now been updated and, as per our response to recommendation 47, the principles set out in Energising Britain are now informing our approach to enabling the public to make sustainable choices.

As further policy develops, these principles will be considered as appropriate.

OEP recommendation 50 – Increase uptake of high-ambition farming schemes

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has accepted our recommendation that Defra ensure incentives are sufficient to deliver a significant increase in the uptake of environmentally ambitious aspects of Countryside Stewardship and Landscape Recovery schemes, and to make full use of spatial prioritisation, farm advice and guidance for this. Government believes that ongoing work does this sufficiently.

However, the ongoing work is not demonstrably adequate. Furthermore, key indicators like the abundance of farmland birds and soil nutrient balances are not encouraging. Progress during the annual reporting period has been limited. Therefore, this recommendation still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 50

The government accepts this recommendation.

Defra agrees that farm advice, sufficient incentives and guidance are key to ensuring an increase in the uptake of environmentally ambitious actions through schemes. Environmental Land Management schemes were co-designed with farmers and land managers to increase participation and encourage greater ambition. Schemes will continue to evolve as we track delivery and iterate scheme design to improve outcomes, including using spatial targeting.

From 2026 we expect delivery to be enhanced by the launch of the new Sustainable Farming Initiative (SFI) scheme, the ongoing rollout of the new Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier scheme and an increase in the number of Landscape Recovery projects entering the implementation phase.

We will continue to monitor the uptake of actions and progress of schemes against the established set of targets which deliver for the Species Abundance target.

OEP recommendation 51 – Publish a delivery plan for nature-friendly farming

New recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Defra should urgently publish and implement a fully evidenced, spatially explicit, resourced, and time-bound delivery plan for nature-friendly farming. It should set out how farmers and land managers will be supported and incentivised to apply for environmentally ambitious higher-tier schemes or transition to them from the Sustainable Farming Incentive and legacy schemes.

Government’s response to recommendation 51

The government partially accepts this recommendation.

Defra set a new interim target for farm wildlife, ‘By December 2030, double the number of farms providing sufficient year-round resources for farm wildlife compared with 2025’ in the revised EIP. Delivery of this target will require incentivising farmers and land managers through agri-environment schemes to implement measures to support farm wildlife alongside productive farming, by providing year-round resources for farmland species.

Annually, Defra continues to publish the delivery and uptake data from its Agri-environment schemes. We will continue to update EIP target delivery plans to show farming’s contribution to EIP target delivery, alongside other levers.

Farming schemes are just one element of what is required to meet the government’s environmental ambitions. The Farming Roadmap sets out the long-term direction for farming, including how the sector will adapt to changing markets, new technologies and environmental pressures, and how government will support that change.

It also sets out how Environmental Land Management schemes will evolve over time, providing greater stability for farmers while moving towards a more spatially targeted approach focused on delivering public goods and supporting delivery of Environmental Improvement Plan targets.

Environmental Land Management schemes were co-designed with farmers and land managers to increase participation and encourage greater ambition. Schemes will continue to evolve as we track delivery and iterate scheme design to improve outcomes.

Defra also uses guidance, advice, and collaboration funds to support farmers and landholders to take up best practice voluntarily and join more environmentally ambitious schemes.

OEP recommendation 52 – Increase compliance with farming regulations

Update to previous year’s recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Government has accepted our recommendation that the Environment Agency takes action to increase rates of compliance with farming regulations and states that the Environment Agency is working with farmers through an advice-led approach. We agree that good progress has been made regarding the rates of inspections although rates of compliance need further improvement. Progress during the annual reporting period was mixed. Therefore, this recommendation still stands.

Government’s response to recommendation 52

The government accepts this recommendation.

The Environment Agency works with farmers using some advice‑led and proportionate approach to support compliance with agricultural regulations and protect water quality.

Where advice is not followed and risks remain, the Environment Agency will take enforcement action where necessary.

In the 2025 to 2026 reporting year, the Environment Agency:

carried out 4,410 farm inspections (against a target of 4,000)
identified at least one area of non‑compliance on 1,902 farms (43%)
issued 4,995 actions to address non‑compliance
verified 4,423 actions as completed with farmers
issued 496 site warnings

Defra is doubling funding for Environment Agency farm inspections over the next 3 years to 2029 to strengthen compliance with agricultural water regulations. This will sit alongside continued advice and support for farmers, including through the Catchment Sensitive Farming service.

We want regulations that are workable, practical and are supported by appropriate transition arrangements. Through the Addressing Pollution from Agriculture programme, we are working with farming representatives, environmental groups, and other sectors to ensure reforms are fit for purpose.

We will consult in due course on new regulations, including proposals to strengthen standards and address multiple forms of pollution, such as water, air and soil through a streamlined approach that minimises the burden on farming businesses.

OEP recommendation 53 – Publish transparent data on nature-friendly farming uptake

New recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Defra should publish annual statistics that transparently provide data on the uptake of nature-friendly farming schemes that includes the number of schemes, area coverage corrected for overlap, spatial distribution and scheme quality and intended outcome.

Government’s response to recommendation 53

The government partially accepts this recommendation.

Annually, the contribution of agri-environment schemes to EIP targets is collated with all delivery levers to show progress towards EIP targets. The area coverage is published in an accessible way that aims to avoid overlapping action contributions. Further progress data is published through data releases including official statistics and biodiversity indicators. A list of publicly available statistics and data can be provided to the OEP.

Defra will also continue to publish data on the regular uptake from each agri-environment scheme and actions. This includes the number of agreements, spatial distribution of scheme agreements and spend on actions and agreements. Further information is intended to be published on the methods for monitoring the contribution of agri-environmental schemes to targets.

OEP recommendation 54 – Target farming regulation and advice to highest pressures

New recommendation (2024 to 2025 report): Defra should prioritise its reform of farming regulations and its advice provision to areas where both regulatory effectiveness is low and pressures from farming activities on the natural environment are high. These include nitrogen and phosphorus pollution and soil quality.

Government’s response to recommendation 54

The government accepts this recommendation.

Defra is improving the effectiveness of farm regulation to address the impacts agriculture has on the environment and is taking a prioritised approach based on the evidence of impacts, which will be built on to inform future interventions.

Reducing nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment pollution from agriculture is an immediate priority. Defra will do this through modernising, simplifying and strengthening agricultural water regulations, as set out in ‘A New Vision for Water.’ Defra is boosting advice and inspections, and the Environment Agency’s farm inspection capacity will double over the next 3 years.

We will maintain an advice-led approach alongside enforcement with continued investment in Catchment Sensitive Farming to support farmers to reduce pollution at source.

Agriculture is also the UK’s main source of ammonia emissions, accounting for around 89% of the total, and is the main source of nitrogen deposition on terrestrial habitats where it impacts on biodiversity. We will support farmers to reduce emissions through targeted advice provided through Catchment Sensitive Farming and through investing in low emission equipment.

Also, as indicated in the Environmental Improvement Plan, recognising the significant impact cattle farming has on both water and air, we plan to consult on extending Environmental Permitting Regulations to dairy and intensive beef farms, which could introduce an integrated approach to tackling all forms of pollution.

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Data, evidence, and analysis

Responses to OEP recommendations

OEP recommendation 1 – Getting Nature Friendly Farming right

Government’s response to recommendation 1

OEP recommendation 2 – Maximise the contribution of Protected Sites for nature

Government’s response to recommendation 2

OEP recommendation 3 - Speed up action in the marine environment

Government’s response to recommendation 3

OEP recommendation 4 - Set out clear mechanisms for reconciling competing demands for use of land and sea

Government’s response to recommendation 4

OEP recommendation 5 – Develop a circular economy framework

Government’s response to recommendation 5

OEP recommendation 6 – Mobilise investment at the scale needed

Government’s response to recommendation 6

OEP recommendation 7 – Regulate more effectively

Government’s response to recommendation 7

OEP recommendation 8 - Harness the support needed to achieve ambitions

Government’s response to recommendation 8

OEP recommendation 9 – Deliver a plan for Good Environmental Status (marine)

Government’s response to recommendation 9

OEP recommendation 10 – Revise interim targets in the EIP

Government’s response to recommendation 10

OEP recommendation 11 – Strengthen species abundance measurement

Government’s response to recommendation 11

OEP recommendation 12 – Remove barriers to local air quality improvement

Government’s response to recommendation 12

OEP recommendation 13 – Update the Clean Air Strategy

Government’s response to recommendation 13

OEP recommendation 14 – Strengthen legal air quality standards

Government’s response to recommendation 14

OEP recommendation 15 – Set interim targets for water outcomes

Government’s response to recommendation 15 – Set interim targets for water outcomes

OEP recommendation 16 – Align delivery plans and investment with targets

Government’s response to recommendation 16

OEP recommendation 17 – Reduce land-based mercury emissions

Government’s response to recommendation 17

OEP recommendation 18 – Reduce pesticide risks beyond ELM

Government’s response to recommendation 18

OEP recommendation 19 – Produce a Chemicals Strategy

Government’s response to recommendation 19

OEP recommendation 20 – Establish chemicals and pesticides

Government’s response to recommendation 20

OEP recommendation 21 – Apply circular economy principles to chemicals

Government’s response to recommendation 21

OEP recommendation 22 – Improve coordination in chemical regulation

Government’s response to recommendation 22

OEP recommendation 23 – Set a clear UK chemicals policy framework

Government’s response to recommendation 23

OEP recommendation 24 – Deliver digital waste tracking

Government’s response to recommendation 24

OEP recommendation 25 – Deliver a circular economy growth plan

Government’s response to recommendation 25

OEP recommendation 26 – Eliminate waste crime and strengthen enforcement

Government’s response to recommendation 26

OEP recommendation 27 – Strengthen regulation for sustainable soil management

Government’s response to recommendation 27

OEP recommendation 28 – Improve support for sustainable soil management

Government’s response to recommendation 28

OEP recommendation 29 – Embed sustainability in supply chains

Government’s response to recommendation 29

OEP recommendation 30 – Align fisheries policy with Good Environmental Status

Government’s response to recommendation 30

OEP recommendation 31 – Integrate climate risk into targets and planning

Government’s response to recommendation 31

OEP recommendation 32 – Improve management of surface water flooding

Government’s response to recommendation 32

OEP recommendation 33 – Deliver sustainable drainage systems

Government’s response to recommendation 33

OEP recommendation 34 – Improve flood resilience measurement and targets

Government’s response to recommendation 34

OEP recommendation 35 – Develop a heat resilience strategy

Government’s response to recommendation 35

OEP recommendation 36 – Deliver a wildfire strategy and action plan

Government’s response to recommendation 36

OEP recommendation 37 – Address delays in public consultation for Pathway Action Plans (PAPs)

Government’s response to recommendation 37

OEP recommendation 38 – Deliver Pathway Action Plans for invasive species

Government’s response to recommendation 38

OEP recommendation 39 – Establish a risk-based INNS surveillance programme