“Amber” environment schemes stay on amber

Defra does not appear to have any immediate plans to approve Water Industry National Environment Programme "amber" schemes – those that require final approval by the secretary of state – as some have called for to advance the green recovery.

Responding to a written question in Parliament from shadow environment secretary, Luke Pollard, about the timetable for approving amber schemes, water minister, Rebecca Pow, said: “This is due to happen as part of the update to the current river basin management plans in December 2021. The Covid 19 pandemic has led to some delays in the process, but the Environment Agency is striving to meet the existing deadline.”