Timeline: setting out the estimated timescales for how we will apply this plan (accessible version)
Updated 27 July 2021
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/water-abstraction-plan-2017/water-abstraction-plan-timeline
Estimated timescales to apply water abstraction plan.
2018
Environment
- changes to Time Limited Licences – continues
- revocation of unused licences – continues
- changes to highest priority licences – continues
Catchment focus
- trial approach to improving access to water commences in four catchments
Abstraction licensing service
January 2018:
- licence application process for previously exempt abstractions opens
- start testing digital abstraction licences
2019
Environment
- water companies investigate risks from licences at catchment scale – continues
Catchment focus
- Environment Agency trial approaches at catchment scale to improve access to water in four catchments and to make environmental improvements in six
Abstraction licensing service
- by end 2019 – majority of licences available digitally and approach to submitting records online is improved
2020
Environment
- Environment Agency complete restoring sustainable abstraction programme
Catchment focus
-
Environment Agency publish four updated abstraction licensing strategies from trial catchments
-
Environment Agency continue to develop environmental solutions in six initial catchments
Abstraction licensing service
-
January – licence determinations for previously exempt abstractions begin
-
30 June – applications close for previously exempt abstractions
-
tailored information on flows and levels available online for some licences
2021
Catchment focus
-
Environment Agency publish a further six updated licensing strategies – based on catchment engagement
-
Environment Agency shifts focus to different catchments and improves approach based on experience
-
Environment Agency reports to government on progress made on improving access to water and addressing environmental issues
Abstraction licensing service
- Spring 2021 – Defra consult on move to Environmental Permitting Regulations
2022
Catchment focus
-
Environment Agency continue to publish updated abstraction licensing strategies to support 3rd cycle of river basin planning - this will start with the highest priority catchments
-
All strategies to be updated by 2027.
Abstraction licensing service
- by December – all previously exempt abstractions will be permitted.
2023
Abstraction licensing service
-
by 31 December – abstraction and impounding moves into the Environmental Permitting Regulations and all existing abstraction and impounding licences become environmental permits
-
applications for a permit are available online