Policy paper

Strategic Policy Statement for the Environment Agency

The government’s expectations for how the Environment Agency supports environmental protection, growth, water reform and national resilience.

• From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
• Published: 12 March 2026

Applies to England

Documents

Strategic Policy Statement for the Environment Agency

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This strategic policy statement sets out the Secretary of State’s expectations for how the Environment Agency delivers its statutory functions. It explains how the Environment Agency should support economic growth while protecting air, land and water, strengthening resilience to flooding and drought, and helping to transform the water sector.

The statement also sets expectations on modernising operations, using constrained discretion and improving regulatory performance. It is intended to guide the Environment Agency’s decision‑making within its existing statutory and regulatory framework.

Published 12 March 2026