Tag: Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 13 November 2025.

Water skills group, co-chaired with Energy & Utility Skills, holds inaugural meeting today.

The water industry is set to benefit from a new group created by government to ensure it has the skilled workforce it needs to deliver record levels of investment and reform.  

The Water Skills Strategic Group held its first meeting today, 13th November 2025, bringing together senior leaders in government from and across the water sector and its supply chain. 

The group’s focus will be the delivery of the £104 billion investment – the largest since privatisation – which will create more than 30,000 new jobs, support the building of 1.5 million new homes, and help restore the nation’s rivers, lakes and seas. 

Convened by Defra and co-chaired with sector skills body Energy & Utility Skills, the group will drive coordinated action to grow a future-ready, highly skilled workforce across England and Wales, which will form the future of the water sector.  

The Group will ensure the water sector has the skills needed to deliver huge infrastructure projects including nine new reservoirs, nine large-scale water transfer schemes and reducing leaks from water pipes. This will include roles such as bioresources technicians, hydraulics specialists, engineers, construction workers, and surveyors. 

Meeting quarterly, the group will focus on identifying where skills are needed most across the sector, exploring how to improve its attractiveness to new, diverse talent and ensuring the right training and qualifications are in place. A framework for measuring progress will ensure the group is achieving its objectives, creating impact and robustly planning to support the implementation of the government’s water reform. 

Water Minister Emma Hardy said: 

We’re driving the biggest overhaul of the water sector since privatisation – making sure record investment goes where it’s needed most to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas. 

That means opening up jobs and opportunities across England and Wales so we have skilled people on the ground, in every community, delivering the change we all want to see.   

This partnership between government, industry and training bodies will help build the workforce we need for the future of our water sector.

Paul Cox, Group Chief Executive, Energy & Utility Skills, said:   

The water sector stands at a pivotal moment with a shared responsibility to deliver for customers and the environment. Skills are central to that ambition. The scale of AMP8 investment will bring lasting benefits for communities, families and individuals across the United Kingdom.  

By grounding decisions in evidence, attracting new talent, developing expertise and retaining experience, the sector can build a skilled and resilient workforce ready to meet future challenges. Through collaboration and pace, the sector can turn ambition into delivery and secure clean, reliable and sustainable water for generations to come.

This builds on commitments made at the Water UK Skills Summit earlier this year where government and industry leaders signed the Water Skills Pledge, affirming the government’s commitment to ensuring the water sector has the skills and workforce it needs to succeed. 

Defra also established the Water Delivery Taskforce, which brings together Government, regulators, and water industry representatives, to ensure water companies complete their planned investments on time and on budget – providing value for money for customers.  

The government will fast-track key recommendations from the Independent Water Commission and outline further actions in a White Paper later this year, paving the way for new legislation to attract investment, speed up infrastructure delivery, and restore public confidence in the sector.  

Notes to editors: 

• The Water Skills Strategic Group is jointly chaired by Defra and Energy & Utility Skills. 
• Membership includes senior representatives from Defra, Energy & Utility Skills, Water UK, British Water, the Institute of Water, CIWEM, the Future Water Association, major water companies across England and Wales, supply chain contractors and key government departments. 
• The group will run until March 2030, aligning with Asset Management Period 8.

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 16 October 2025.

The Review, led by Professor Peter Bonfield, brought together leaders from across various sectors who all have an important role in improving the PFR uptake.

Strong leadership from government, housebuilders, insurers and flood action groups will be vital in ensuring homes across England are better protected from the impacts of flooding, according to an independent review published today (Thursday 16 October).  

In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of property flood resilience measures, which help reduce the risk of damage to individual properties, speed up recovery and help people go back home after flooding. However, uptake remains still too low.  

With the latest Environment Agency data showing more than 6.3 million properties in England are now at risk of flooding, it’s vital that more homeowners explore these measures to avoid facing higher insurance premiums or reduced market value for their property.  

Commissioned by the Environment Agency, Professor Peter Bonfield has published an independent review setting out how the nation can accelerate practical and affordable flood resilience measures for homes, while offering a clear roadmap for boosting resilience and helping people recover faster from floods. 

Property flood resilience measures – such as flood doors, non-return valves and air bricks – can help to keep as much water out of a property as possible. They also include measures like tiled floors and raised electrics, so if water does enter, it minimises damage and helps people get back on their feet quicker. The use of Sustainable Drainage Systems at property level, for example permeable paving and rain gardens, can also reduce the risk of surface water flooding. 

The FloodReady Review builds on progress made since the 2016 PFR Review and sets out a series of clear, practical recommendations to increase the use of resilience measures in homes and businesses at risk of flooding.  

Recommendations include investment being targeted to areas where PFR measures offer the greatest benefit and best value for money. It also calls on landlords to help protect their tenants by embedding PFR into housing improvements.  

It also advocates for greater collaboration between local authorities and water companies to align investment plans and deliver resilience more effectively. These recommendations represent a forward-looking approach to tackling the growing challenge of flooding in a changing climate.   

Professor Peter Bonfield, lead for the Flood Ready Review, said: 

Flooding presents a significant and growing risk to people, properties and businesses. I was pleased to be invited to lead this independent review – FloodReady – of how we can better mainstream property flood resilience. 

FloodReady sets out how we can make flood resilience a normal part of how homes and businesses are built, maintained and repaired. It shows the power of partnership working between government, insurers, local authorities, and communities. 

It is really heartening that the actions set out in FloodReady will now progress for delivery through the multi-sectoral Leadership Group, Property Flood Resilience Roundtable and others to make the actions a reality to help protect people and property.

Julie Foley, Director of Flood Risk Strategy at the Environment Agency, said: 

We have been actively working with suppliers and partners to mainstream property flood resilience as one of the ways of tackling the rising threat of flooding.  

Through our new flood investment programme, we will be targeting property flood resilience measures where they are the most effective way of managing flood risk and offer the best value for money.  

We are also committed to ensuring that the suppliers and installers we work with follow industry best practice so that we can build trust with communities and ensure that property flood resilience can play in helping people recover more quickly after flooding.

Floods Minister Emma Hardy said: 

As we experience the effects of climate change it has never been more important to mainstream Property Flood Resilience measures. 

Today’s FloodReady review marks a vital step change in how people better protect their homes and recover faster after flooding. 

I look forward to working across government and with partners to build resilience and safeguard communities as we face a future of increasing flood risk.

The Review is the result of close collaboration between the Environment Agency, Defra, Flood Re, the insurance sector, housing associations, builders, local authorities, and community groups. This joint effort aims to align flood resilience actions with the government’s Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy and wider climate adaptation goals. 

The recommendations will be taken forward by a core leadership group, who will work closely with stakeholders to prioritise and implement key actions.

ABI Director General Hannah Gurga said:  

With climate change increasing the frequency and severity of flooding, we strongly support the FloodReady Review’s focus on coordinated action to protect homes and communities. The review shows the impact of the whole supply chain working together to improve our resilience to flooding, and insurers are committed to increasing the uptake of Build Back Better and Property Flood Resilience. This is a vital opportunity to make sure flood resilience is built into our homes, with clear standards, accessible funding, and strong collaboration across sectors.

Charles Roe, Director of Mortgages at UK Finance, said:  

UK Finance welcomes the FloodReady Review and the recommendations it sets out for tackling one of the most visible climate-related challenges facing households and communities. Flood risk is not just an environmental issue, it has direct implications for mortgage lending, insurance, and property valuation. The mortgage sector is committed to working with government, insurers, and homeowners to ensure investment in property flood resilience initiatives. This Review is an important step towards building a system where property flood risk is better understood, managed, and mitigated.

Paul Shaffer, Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) said:

CIWEM has been working with many of the contributors to the FloodReady review to build a pathway for PFR professionals to be trained, assessed and professionally registered in order to quality assure and demonstrate their competence. We believe that FloodReady’s recommendations to focus on skill development, sector consolidation and alignment is vital to increasing the resilience and confidence of communities at risk of flooding. We look forward to working with government and other FloodReady partners to provide the necessary consistency and confidence in PFR delivery. 

Brett Amphlett, Policy & Public Affairs: The Builders Merchants’ Federation, said: 

The misery that flooding causes is inevitably local – and therefore the response must be local – from flood risk managers, builders’ merchants and others. Local merchants can provide what’s needed for immediate relief – followed by pumps, dryers, dehumidifiers and other materials & products in the resulting clear-up. The Builders Merchants’ Federation supports this Review and is promoting it to builders’ merchants and civils & drainage specialists in our supply chain – especially in districts prone to flooding.

Alistair Smyth, Director of Policy and Research, National Housing Federation, said:

We welcome the publication of the FloodReady action plan. Improving the resilience of homes to flood risk and reducing the potential impact of flooding on people’s lives will become even more urgent in the years and decades to come. That is why the report’s recommendations on the action needed and the shared responsibilities of landlords and other parties is of vital importance and in time should be adopted right across our sector.

Duncan King, Senior Technical Manager, Construction Products Association, said:

FloodReady highlights the necessity for a whole industry involvement to effectively negate the misery caused by properties being flooded. While standards can be written covering the production of effective flood resilient products, standards of workmanship for those undertaking retrofitting work need to be officially recognised and supported by warranties backed by the insurance industry, perhaps even the introduction of annual inspections of installed measures by local authorities.

Graham Watts OBE, Chief Executive, Construction Industry Council, said:  

It has been an eye-opening pleasure to serve on Peter Bonfield’s leadership group for this review, especially as someone who lives in a flood-threatened community. The recommendations in the FloodReady report are wide-ranging and significant. The board of the Construction Industry Council has already pledged support for helping to implement those that are directed at the construction industry.

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 14 October 2025.

A record £10.5 billion investment in flood defences will defend nearly 900,000 properties in England, with new rules to get defences built more quickly.

Deprived communities across the country will benefit from new flood defences, under sweeping reforms unveiled by the government today (Tuesday 14 October), safeguarding England’s renewal by better protecting homes and businesses from flooding. 

The last time rules on allocating flood defence funding were updated was in 2011. Since then, the system has failed to support more innovative solutions, like natural flood management, and was based on outdated evidence.  

On top of that, the rules required a complex application process which put councils with limited resources at a disadvantage, meaning poorer communities struggled to build the defences they need.   

In a major shift, the government has overhauled that complex approach and committed a record £10.5 billion to flood defences to protect nearly 900,000 properties.

The new rules – which will be used for the next flood programme starting in April 2026 – ensure that all prioritised flood projects valued at £3 million or less are eligible for full funding by the government. Prioritised projects valued higher than this will be eligible for the first £3 million of support upfront, and 90% of the costs thereafter.  

For example, if an eligible scheme valued at £10 million was approved and prioritised for investment, the scheme owners would only need to provide £700,000 to get spades in the ground, as the government would contribute £9.3 million to the project’s costs.   

The move will bring confidence and security to local businesses and investors, helping to kickstart economic growth as part of the Plan for Change and safeguard the government’s plans to deliver national renewal.  

Floods Minister Emma Hardy said:   

For too long, deprived towns and cities struggled to secure the vital money needed for flood defences due to a complicated and outdated process.   

Our reforms will rip this up and help communities get back on their feet after floods – by unlocking economic growth, building new homes and creating new jobs.  

This government will be investing a record £10.5 billion into new flood defences and repairing existing assets to protect more people from the devastation of flooding.

At least 20% of future investment will also be set aside to help protect the most deprived communities in England over the next ten years. 

Together, these reforms will break the cycle of towns struggling to recover from flooding, with increased protection from new flood defences helping to grow the local economy, create jobs and protect high streets against billions of pounds in damages.   

This long-term investment in the nation’s infrastructure will bring with it economic growth and secure national renewal for decades to come, as well as boosting our resilience to a warming climate.   

In a move to ensure government investment goes even further, new projects will be prioritised based on value for money, with the contributions from partners – such as businesses, wildlife groups or farm clusters – being better recognised and boosting the chances of projects being approved.  

These changes will ensure government funding unlocks external investment, making every pound of taxpayer money go further. 

Caroline Douglass, Executive Director of Flood and Coastal Risk Management at the Environment Agency, said:  

Our changing climate means it has never been more important to ensure communities are better protected from the devastating impacts of flooding.   

We welcome the government’s new approach to flood and coastal erosion investment, enabling a wider range of projects such as natural flood management and property flood resilience to be supported. Together with our partners, we will work to deliver these ambitions on the ground.

The biggest overhaul in 15 years of the government’s approach to flooding will see a number of previously neglected approaches prioritised – reflecting better understanding of flood risk across the country.  

For the first time, refurbishment of existing flood defences will be treated on an equal footing with new projects. This recognises the growing pressure on ageing defences and ensures vital repairs get the funding they need.   

Natural flood management projects supported by the government are cost effective, while delivering environmental benefits in addition to flood protection. The largest ever investment in natural flood management, delivered over the next decade, will form a key part of the new, overhauled approach to managing flood risk. 

In its first year in power, the government has delivered 151 flood schemes, better protecting more than 24,000 homes and businesses from flooding across England. This includes the Pevensey Bay Sea Defences in East Sussex, which has better protected 3,225 properties.   

This action forms part of the government’s record investment of at least £10.5 billion until 2036 – the largest flood programme in history – to construct new flood defences and repair existing defences.  

Recognising flood defences were inherited in their worst condition on record, £108 million was reprioritised for urgent maintenance works, which halt the decline of major assets and make communities confident that they are protected.

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 9 October 2025.

New funding for local projects across 12 UK Overseas Territories and 36 developing countries over the next five years.

• The package will support local action to restore nature, reduce poverty and address climate change around the world
• This will help protect 1.5 million hectares of forest in Bolivia, recover St Helena’s cloud forest and support critically endangered eagles in the Philippines

Vital ecosystems and threatened species such as tigers, Philippine eagles, reef sharks, Amazon parrots and sea turtles across the globe are set to benefit from new government funding announced today (Thursday 9th October).

80 local projects spread across 36 developing countries and 12 UK Overseas Territories, will be funded with the aim of restoring ecosystems, safeguarding nature, securing food and water supplies and improving lives.

Supporting nature restoration across the world is a crucial part of protecting the long-term health of our economy. More than half of the global economy is estimated to be dependent in some way on the ecosystem services that nature provides.

Some of the projects receiving funding include: 

• Bolivian forests – UK investment will help protect up 1.5 million hectares of vital forest, prevent the loss of 200,000 hectares, generate new income for indigenous communities, and secure water supplies.
• Cloud forest of St Helena – A unique cloud forest which locals depend upon for capturing fresh water will be protected through a project led by the RSPB which will improve water security, and address the key threats of plant pathogens and invasive species.
• Eagles in the Philippines – A project led by Botanic Gardens Conservation International will help restore the highly biodiverse tropical rainforest of the Pantaron Mountain Range, while improving the livelihoods of local indigenous communities and promoting the protection of the endemic and critically endangered Philippine eagle.
• Lemurs in Madagascar – A project based in Madagascar will promote regenerative agricultural practices to support reforestation efforts in high-altitude rainforests, improving food security and nutrition for farmers and their families while expanding habitat for eleven endangered lemur species and other unique Malagasy wildlife.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said:  

If we want to prosper into the future, then supporting international action to protect nature is essential.

When ecosystems break down, food, water, health and economies unravel – fuelling instability, insecurity, and conflict across the globe. By supporting nature recovery across the world today, we are protecting our security and economic prosperity for the future.

This government is taking action, both in the UK and more widely, to help nature recover and protect some of the world’s most iconic species.

Shayla Ellick, the RSPB’s St Helena project manager said:

Thanks to vital support through the Darwin Plus programme, we’re continuing essential research and conservation work to restore St Helena’s cloud forest, home to over 250 species of plants and invertebrates found nowhere else on Earth and the main water source for the people of St Helena.

We were delighted to receive this latest grant, which builds on our partnership with the St Helena Government, the St Helena National Trust, and Connect Saint Helena, and on previous work funded by the FCDO and through many previous Darwin Plus projects. Together, we’re working to restore this unique ecosystem.

The money for these projects comes from two funds, the Darwin Initiative, targeting action in low- and middle-income countries, and Darwin Plus, which funds projects supporting biodiversity and conservation projects across the UK Overseas Territories. Since 1993, the Darwin Initiative has awarded over £230m to more than 1,275 projects across 159 countries.

We also recently announced that a new batch of successful projects will receive funding through the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund from October 2025. By tackling illegal wildlife trade – which is often linked to wider criminal networks – we are not only protecting endangered species, but also supporting safer communities, stronger economies and legitimate businesses around the world. 

The Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, another of the UK government’s flagship Biodiversity Challenge Funds, supports innovative and scalable projects that reduce pressure on wildlife from illegal trade and reduce poverty in developing countries.   

This announcement was made at an event at the Natural History Museum where UK government is working to galvanise international action ahead of COP30. 

Britain is taking a leading role on the world stage in tackling the twin threats of climate change and nature loss.  We are working with our partners across the world to build global ambition on nature – accelerating delivery of the Global Biodiversity Framework, meeting our 30×30 commitment and showing leadership at home by reversing biodiversity loss.

ENDS 

NOTES TO EDITORS 

• The Darwin Initiative is one of the UK government’s flagship Biodiversity Challenge Funds, and awards grants that enable low and middle-income countries to conserve their unique biodiversity, reduce poverty and address climate change.
• Darwin Plus competitively awards grants to projects that aim to deliver long-term strategic outcomes for the unique biodiversity within the UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs), supporting the communities who live and work in biodiverse areas to build resilience to climate change.   
• The total funding included in this package is more than £35 million across over 80 projects.
• BirdLife International Forest Impact Accelerator Plus – In partnership with BirdLife International, we’re supporting efforts across eight countries (Bolivia, Zambia, Philippines, Nepal, Uganda, Sao Tome and Principe, Kenya, and Indonesia) to engage the private sector in conserving one million hectares of forest, while tackling poverty in the areas around these forests.   
• Recovering St Helena’s cloud forest for wildlife & water security – The unique cloud forest of St Helena, which locals depend upon for capturing fresh water will be protected through a project led by the RSPB which will improve water security, and provide a model for other key habitats by addressing the key threats of plant pathogens and invasive species, and creating a framework for restoration.
• Nature’s Neighbours: Sustainable Coexistence between Indigenous People and Philippine Eagles – A project led by Botanical Gardens Conservation International will help restore the highly biodiverse tropical rainforest of the Pantaron Mountain Range, while improving the livelihoods of local indigenous communities and promoting the protection of the endemic and critically endangered Philippine eagle.

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 9 October 2025.

21,000 new homes in North Sussex unlocked after four-year bottleneck.

Families in North Sussex are set to benefit from thousands of new homes following a landmark agreement between government, regulators and industry – resolving a four-year pause on development while safeguarding local wetlands and wildlife.

This marks a major step forward in delivering homes for local families, supporting community growth and protecting the natural heritage of the Arun Valley.

Around 4,000 homes that were previously stalled will now proceed while enabling a further 17,000 to be built.

This breakthrough builds on the government pledge to build 1.5 million homes by the end of this Parliament, a core milestone of the Plan for Change.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said:
This breakthrough ends a broken status quo and shows how we can build the homes the community needs while protecting nature.

Under the government’s Plan for Change, we are taking a win-win approach that unlocks growth while protecting and restoring the natural world we all depend on.

We are getting Britain building again while securing a brighter future for our precious wetlands, wildlife and local rivers.

Discussions were led through Defra’s Water Delivery Taskforce, a forum for government departments, water companies, regulators and developers to drive progress and resolve issues like this one.

Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England, said:
This type of sustainable development clearly shows how we can build the new homes this country needs while restoring and protecting nature.

A thriving natural environment is at the heart of a strong economy and is vital to all of our health and wellbeing. We know that people want to live near nature and cases like this where sound nature regulations prompted innovative solutions mean we can continue to make that possible.

Jennie Donovan, Environment Agency Director Nature and Place, said:
The Environment Agency are committed to protecting the environment whilst supporting growth and sustainable development, ensuring new homes are built with adequate flood risk protection, supply of drinking water and sewerage services.

This agreement shows how working together to manage our water needs can unlock development and enable new homes for local communities, whilst helping nature recover at the same time.

Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook said:
The breakthrough achieved in Sussex North demonstrates how through smart policy interventions we can unlock precisely the kind of win-win for development and nature that this government is committed to achieving.

Building work had been halted since 2021 due to concerns over the amount of water being taken from rivers and wetlands in the Arun Valley, which risked impacting protected wildlife and local water resources.

Work will begin from 1 November, with local authorities and developers working together to deliver homes that meet high environmental standards.

Under the agreement by Defra, Natural England, the Environment Agency and Southern Water, the water company will change its water abstraction permits to limit the amount of water taken from local rivers and wetlands, as well as provide funding to restore habitats. This will be paid for by the company and not by consumers.

The agreement ensures protection for rare species like the Lesser Whirlpool Ramshorn Snail, a unique part of the Arun Valley’s ecosystem.

New homes will also be built to higher water efficiency standards in line with the building regulation guidance for water scarce areas, reducing daily water use and easing pressure on local watercourses.

This follows our announcement on changes to Building Regulations that will tackle water shortage bottlenecks and unblock stalled developments in areas of water scarcity.

Notes to editors:
In 2021, Natural England issued a water neutrality position statement in relation to the Arun Valley. As a result, new housing developments in parts of Horsham, Crawley and Chichester were paused.

Today’s agreement enables development to continue, building work will resume on 1 November.

This government recognises the significant contribution by local authorities in managing the implications of water scarcity and the future challenges involved in getting appropriate development back underway, and we will continue to work with them to this end.

The projected number of homes is based on estimates provided by local authorities.

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 9 October 2025.

Two new appointees will support efforts to prepare and adapt the UK for climate change.

Defra and the Devolved Governments have appointed Dr Michael Keil and Mr Ian Dickie to the Adaptation Committee of the Climate Change Committee.

The Adaptation Committee is comprised of experts in the fields of climate change impacts, science, environmental economics, conservation, public health and business. It provides independent, expert advice on preparing for and adapting to climate change to UK and devolved governments and parliaments. 

Dr Michael Keil and Mr Ian Dickie’s appointments will run from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2028. The appointments have been made in line with the guidance set out in the Ministerial Governance Code for Public Appointments published by the Cabinet Office. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.

Dr Michael Keil said:

It’s an enormous privilege to be given this opportunity to play a key role in shaping the UK’s response to climate change. You don’t have to look far to see the impact it’s already having on our lives, not least in the water sector where we are facing a race against time to secure enough water to meet our future needs.

The UK has a wealth of unrivalled expertise which can find effective solutions but we need to accelerate our efforts. This means not only developing new infrastructure but, crucially, inspiring much-needed changes in people’s behaviour and habits where there remains so much untapped potential. It’s also critical we work with, rather than against, the natural environment to bolster our resilience.

Ultimately, every individual, across current and future generations, has a stake in the decisions we take now to ensure we have a well-adapted UK that not only keeps people safe but allows communities and nature to flourish.

Mr Ian Dickie said:

It is a pleasure and honour to be joining the Adaptation Committee to help apply environmental economics to the increasing urgent and current challenge of adapting to climate change.

I will contribute to the Committee’s work to consider the full range of adaptation options available to society. It is important to promote both the costs and benefits of acting on adaptation and identify the potential synergies and trade-offs with other societal challenges. These include achieving net zero, particularly in agricultural and other sectors heavily dependent on natural capital, as well as nature recovery and public health.

I aim to ensure that adaptation options are relevant across the diversity of the UK, from remote rural to inner city communities, and from our seas to our street trees. I will endeavour to build on the advice of my colleague at EFTEC, Ece Ozdemiroglu, who was a member of the committee for six years.

Baroness Brown, Chair of the Adaptation Committee, said:

I am delighted to welcome two new members to the committee and congratulate them on their appointment. As the need to adapt to the growing impacts of climate change becomes ever more urgent, they will help build our analysis for the fourth UK Climate Change Risk Assessment. Michael’s knowledge of the water industry and of consumer issues and Ian’s expertise in the economics of climate adaptation will be immensely valuable contributions to our upcoming advice.

Biographical details

Dr Michael Keil

Michael is Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Water, the statutory consumer body for the water sector. He brings over two decades of experience across Ofwat, Severn Trent Water, and the Met Office, with a strong focus on climate change adaptation, resilience, and consumer advocacy.

Michael holds a PhD in Meteorology from the University of Reading and began his career at the Met Office, where he led the Middle Atmosphere Group and contributed to the development of climate and weather models. At Ofwat, he established the regulator’s climate change policy framework, introduced carbon accounting, and assessed over £2 billion in climate-related investment proposals.

At Severn Trent Water, Michael led the development of the company’s Climate Change Adaptation Report and spearheaded the £350 million Birmingham Resilience Scheme — one of the largest climate adaptation investments in the UK water sector. His work involved strategic planning, business case development, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

At the Consumer Council for Water, Michael has championed consumer interests in climate resilience, led major affordability reviews, and launched public engagement initiatives such as the ‘Waterfall’ podcast. He has served on multiple boards and advisory panels, including the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management’s climate change panel and the MOSL Strategic Panel, and has contributed evidence to national climate risk assessments and adaptation planning under the Climate Change Act.

Mr Ian Dickie

Ian is a Director at EFTEC (Economics for the Environment Consultancy), with over 25 years of experience as an applied environmental economist. He specialises in biodiversity, natural capital accounting, and the economic appraisal of environmental policy and infrastructure.

Ian has led over £3 million of research for UK Government departments and developed more than 50 natural capital accounts for sectors including transport, water, forestry, and finance. His work has supported policy development for Defra, the Natural Capital Committee, and the Cabinet Office, and includes contributions to the 25-Year Environment Plan and the UK’s first Natural Capital Risk Assessment.

He is a member of Defra’s Biodiversity Expert Committee and has served on advisory panels for the Royal Society of Arts, the Capitals Coalition, and the Peatland Code. Ian was also a technical editor for the British Standards Institute’s Flex 701 nature markets principles standard, published in 2025.

Ian’s expertise spans ecosystem market design, biodiversity finance, and climate adaptation economics. His work includes modelling climate risk in floodplain management, valuing storm protection in the Caribbean, and integrating climate scenarios into asset valuation. He is a published author in environmental economics and has contributed to guidance used by the United Nations Development Programme, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, the Cabinet Office, and all UK governments.

Further information

• The Adaptation Committee of the Climate Change Committee is an advisory Non-Departmental Public Body created under the Climate Change Act (2008). The Adaptation Committee is jointly sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Northern Ireland Executive, the Scottish Government and the Welsh Government.
• The Board for the Adaptation Committee comprises a chairperson and six members.
• Further information on the Climate Change Committee is available at: www.theccc.org.uk.

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 6 October 2025.

New rules mean all commercial dog imports from Romania into Great Britain to undergo mandatory pre-import testing.

The UK Chief Veterinary Officer is today (October 6th) renewing calls on prospective dog buyers to source their dogs from responsible breeders in order to protect animal and public health. 

Steps people should take include not only sourcing dogs from reputable breeders or rescue organisations, but ensuring proper health checks and documentation are in place, and understanding the potential risks associated with importing or rehoming dogs from abroad. Vets, breeders, and rehoming organisations should remain alert to the signs of disease and follow best practice when handling, testing, or managing dogs at risk. 

There is a risk of imported dogs carrying diseases such as Brucella canis,  and even rabies, presenting a threat to the health of canine and human populations in the Great Britain.  

Since 2020, there has been a steady increase in the number of Brucella canis cases in Great Britain, the majority of which have been found in imported dogs with around 50% of all identified infections since 2020 coming from Romanian dog imports. 

Brucella canis is a serious disease affecting dogs that can lead to reproductive issues such as abortion, as well as joint pain and lameness. Many infected dogs show no obvious symptoms but remain infectious, meaning they can unknowingly spread the disease. Currently, there is no vaccine and no effective treatment to eliminate the infection or prevent its transmission. 

To protect our biosecurity, the government has introduced a safeguard measure which comes into force from tomorrow (October 7th) requiring all commercial dog imports from Romania into Great Britain to undergo mandatory pre-import testing for Brucella canis (B. canis).The measure applies to commercial imports only (which includes rescue dogs that are to be rehomed) and is in addition to existing requirements under the Approved Importer Scheme. It does not apply to non-commercial pet movements from Romania. 

UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said: 

Anyone considering getting a dog should make sure they are fully prepared for the responsibility. Importing dogs without the proper health checks or testing can increase the risk of introducing serious diseases like Brucella canis into Great Britain. 

The new rules on dogs imported from Romania are a necessary step to safeguard both animal and human health. I strongly urge prospective dog owners to do their research, choose reputable breeders or rescue organisations, and ensure all required health checks and tests are completed before bringing a dog into their home.

This safeguard will remain in place until the disease risk is judged to have reduced sufficiently. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will review the measure regularly to ensure it remains proportionate, evidence-based, and targeted at the areas of highest risk. 

The commercial import of dogs from other countries continues to be unaffected by this change. 

While the overall risk to the public is low, the disease is also zoonotic, meaning it can be passed from dogs to humans. Those with weakened immune systems, pregnant individuals, and children under five may be more vulnerable. Further public health information can be found here: Brucella canis: information for the public and dog owners – GOV.UK

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 3 October 2025.

Over £10 million in water company fines has been channelled into cleanup projects to repair the damage done by sewage– directly benefitting communities and the environment which have been harmed by rule breaking.  

Through the Water Restoration Fund, money from fines handed to five water companies will fund 51 projects across England, from active measures such as rewilding and restoring floodplains to funding for assessments of water quality and development of improvement plans.  

Anglian Water, South West Water, Thames Water, Yorkshire Water and United Utilities were forced to pay millions after causing pollution incidents between April 2022 and October 2023.   

From restoring riverbeds in Exmoor National Park to tackling septic tank spills into Windermere, these projects will restore precious habitats, improve flood resilience and enable local wildlife to thrive.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said:  

I share people’s anger at the damage caused by sewage pollution and want communities to once again feel they can take pride in their environment. 

This money from water company fines will be directed back into local projects to tackle pollution and support long-term plans for nature restoration. 

Under our Plan for Change we’re resetting the water industry – holding water companies to account and reinvesting in areas harmed by their rule breaking.

Projects, which span the length and breadth of the country, include a £1.2 million floodplain and river restoration project on the River Witham in Lincolnshire, as well as river restoration, nutrient capture and wetland creation in the Evenlode catchment in Oxfordshire. 

The Water Restoration Fund delivers on the government’s Plan for Change – empowering communities to invest money raised from water company wrongdoing back into the environment. 

The Government is committed to restoring our waterways to good health and will continue to direct water company fines and penalties into projects to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas. With increased accountability, record investment to fix broken pipes, and a new powerful regulator responsible for the entire sector that will stand firmly on the side of customers and the environment.

Projects and funding distributions: 

Thames area (£3,318,392.84) 

• Coate Water Site of Special Scientific Interest Restoration Project (£83,306) 
• Restoring the River Ching (£175,729.13) 
• Citizen Crane, Catchment Scale Restoration of an Urban River (£133,755) 
• The Wandering Wandle (£161,217.18) 
• Emm Brook Restoration Project (£743,146.64) 
• Ilford Arrival, Restoring the Lower Roding (£113,415) 
• Improving the Evenlode Catchment (£780,780) 
• Rye to Good Phase 3 (£100,236) 
• The Keston Ponds Project (£248,853) 
• Colne Catchment (£143,737.89) 
• Rediscovering the River Colne (£198,807) 
• Ealing Regional Park River Restoration Plan (£250,000) 
• River Windrush and Sherborne Brook Catchment Improvement Project (£102,822) 
• Roundmoor and Boveney Chalk Stream Restoration Project (£82,588) 

East England (£3,036,664) 

• Upper Witham River and Floodplain Restoration Project (£1,185,957) 
• Great Ouse Blue Connections (£85,674) 
• Recovering the Deben (£248,274.32) 
• Slade Brook Natural Flood Management Project (£187,782) 
• A Collaborative Restoration Plan for the Cam (£179,602.54) 
• Welland Headwaters Nature-based Solutions (£107,053) 
• 20-year Strategy for restoration of river & floodplain habitats in the rivers Nene, Ise and Tove (£165,976.57) 
• Broadland Catchment Partnership Development Plan (£205,376.49) 
• Stanwick Lakes Hydrological Survey (£118,272) 
• Panford and Blackwater Catchment Regeneration Project (£552,696.08) 

South West (£1,849,513.04) 

• Heddon Valley (£162,694) 
• Otter Catchment- Source to Sea (£75,000) 
• Upper Barle River Restoration Project (£147,496) 
• Teign and Taw Fisheries Management (£664,286.50) 
• Arlington Lake, Fish Opening and Habitat Enhancement (£80,558.68) 
• Water Wise Farming (£81,105) 
• Restoration of the River Mere Catchment (£202,267.24) 
• Washfield Wetland (£202,609) 
• Improving the West Looe River Water Body (£95,394.34) 
• Catchment Planning – Avon, Gara & Slapton Ley, and Kingsbridge Salcombe Estuary (£138,102.28) 

Yorkshire (£1,533,722.28) 

• Dewsbury Country Park (£76,570.85) 
• Ashfoldside Metal Mines Project (£81,730) 
• Solutions for the Swale, Ure, Nidd, Ouse, Foss, Wiske, & Wharfe (£75,236) 
• Water in the Wharfe (£249,445) 
• Foss & Esk River Restoration Improvement Studies (£130,060) 
• Derwent Site of Special Scientific Interest Project (£79,054.44) 
• Swaledale and Wensleydale Environmental Farmers (£222,960) 
• Connecting Limbs (£225,817) 
• Upper and Lower Staveley Weirs (£75,039.99) 
• Pickhill Beck (£93,473) 
• Feasibility Study for Doe Lea Catchment (£75,045) 
• Hornsea Mere Restoration (£149,291) 

North West (£758,161.50) 

• Stalybridge Restoration Planning (£97,055.50) 
• River Tame Barriers Modification Feasibility Study (£247,500) 
• Lakes Biosecurity Priority Area Project (£140,320) 
• River Cocker Catchment Restoration (£150,182) 
• Windermere STEP (Septic Tank Engagement Programme) (£123,104)