Chris Mahony 14 October 2019

Queen's Speech 19: Councils promised new powers to tackle pollution

The Queen’s Speech promised an Environment Bill which will establish a ‘world-leading’ independent regulator, the Office for Environmental Protection, and hand some new powers to councils.

The proposed new regulator will oversee environmental policies and laws, investigate complaints and take enforcement action

The legislation will introduce new legally binding measures and environmental improvement targets and enshrine environmental principles in law.

Ministers promised that the legislation will increase local powers to tackle sources of air pollution and to ‘extend producer responsibility…to ensure a consistent approach to recycling and introduce deposit return schemes’. Councils will be given additional powers to improve air quality by ‘addressing sources of air pollution – such as emissions from burning coal and wood.

Changes to the planning system will, the Government says, enhance and protect nature through introducing local nature recovery strategies that ‘will ensure new houses aren’t built at the expense of nature’. Communities will be given a greater say in the protection of local trees.

The Bill will also introduce charges for specified single use items and require water companies to work together to meet current and future demand.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Graduate Trainee Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

North Yorkshire Council
£25,183 - £30,559
Could you help us deliver Electric Vehicle infrastructure to support this new transformation mode of transport. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Contracts and Strategy Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£41,442 - £44,331
Royal Greenwich is on the up! Having achieved a 3.8% increase in our recycling rate this year Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Developer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£52,584 - £69,068
Royal Greenwich is a vibrant borough, with a rich history and diverse community. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

SEND Operations Assistant - 2 year FTC

Essex County Council
£25081 - £26679 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
SEND Operations AssistantFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 to £26,679 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Welfare Benefits & Money Advice Caseworker

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band E SCP 18-25 (£30,559 - £35,235 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled individual to join our Welfare Rights Team Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner