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

Director of People

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. County hall
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council

Director of Strategy and Transformation

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. Preston, Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council

Care and Support Assistant -Longlands

West Northamptonshire Council
13.52ph
About the role We are looking for a dedicated Care and Support Worker to join our team at Longlands Care Home in Daventry. In this rewarding role, you will provide compassionate, person-centred care to older people and those living with dementia, includin Daventry
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Highway Design and Construction Manager

Bolton Council
Grade N, scp50 £62,443 to scp53 £65,663 per annum, plus essential car user allowance
We embrace AI to enhance our operations and to innovate our services. Bolton, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Bolton Council

Social Worker - Huddersfield Royal Infirmary

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£38,220 - £40,777
Looking to appoint as a Level 2 or Level 3 Social Worker. Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Linkedin Banner