Worcester MP Robin Walker has welcomed the publication of the Government’s Environmental Improvement Plan 2023. The new Plan is the first review of the 25 Year Environment Plan set out by the Government in 2018, which set out ten specific goals in order to improvement the environment within a generation. The Environmental Improvement Plan sets out the progress made so far for each goal, and the next steps to take to continue delivering on those targets.
Progress has already been made in creating and restoring habitats, and further actions have been set out in the Plan to halt species decline by 2030 which include paying farmers and land managers to take care of the natural countryside environment, expanding the Sustainable Farming Initiative, and updating the Green Finance Strategy. Under this plan, 30% of our land and sea will be protected for nature.
In the new plan, details have been set out for the new Species Survival Fund which will protect our rarest species, with a multi-million-pound investment. Steps are also being taken to achieve cleaner air and water, maximise our resources and use them sustainably, enhance biosecurity, and mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Robin has welcomed the specific steps outlined in the plan to reduce the risk of harm from environmental hazards, including from flooding. Having already invested £2.6 billion in flood defences since 2018, the Government has pledged to increase baseline funding each year by £22 million. On top of this, to support communities which suffer repeat flooding, the Government is providing £100 million through the Frequently Flooded Allowance.
The Government has also pledged to improve digital services to allow homeowners to check their flood risk, as well as to continue to promote take up of the flood warning service. A long-term development pathway is also being developed for the Severn Valley, looking 50 years ahead to what flood defences are most needed.
Local authorities will be challenged to improve air quality more quickly by assessing their performance and use of existing powers, while supporting them with clear guidance, funding, and tools. Regarding waste, the Government will make it easier to minimise waste, with new interim targets for 2028 to reduce different types of waste, including plastic, glass, metal, paper, and food. The EIP sets out a clear framework to ensure that progress can be clearly tracked.