We Asked, You Said, We Did

As part of efforts to improve environmental regulations, last year we proposed simplifying the regulations for septic tanks and small sewage treatment plants in less sensitive areas (most of the country) and taking a risk based approach to permitting of these systems in the most sensitive areas where a higher level of protection is needed. We proposed retaining the rules that control and prevent pollution, and for these to become known as general binding rules applying to the whole country.

Responses to the consultation broadly supported the proposals but highlighted concerns about: the loss of information that could have been gathered from registration to help support efforts to improve catchment areas and water bodies; sufficiently protecting sensitive areas and rare habitats; and that any changes needed to be communicated to households and businesses.

A government response was published in October 2014. In January 2015, new rules were introduced see www.gov.uk/small-sewage-rules The new approach focuses on making sure septic tanks and sewage treatment plants are maintained in good working order, correctly installed and not causing pollution. We are working with catchment partnerships, parish councils, service companies and others to communicate the rules to households and businesses. See our leaflet Your Sewage – Your Environment.

The call for evidence on the environment and climate change was part of the UK Government’s Review of the Balance of Competences between the UK and the European Union. The Review provides an informed and objective analysis of what EU membership means for the UK and our national interest. We asked respondents to examine the scope of the EU’s competence, how it is used and its effect on the UK.

The report is a reflection and analysis of the evidence submitted by experts, non-governmental organisations, business people, elected representatives and other interested parties, as well as a literature review of relevant material. Where appropriate, it sets out the current position agreed within the coalition government for handling this policy area in the EU. It does not predetermine or prejudge proposals that either coalition party may make in the future for changes to the EU or about the

The final report is available on the Government's website. A document containing all of the evidence submitted to this report and an appendix which sets out respondents’ views on the advantages and disadvantages of EU competence in five areas of environment and climate change policy are published alongside the main report.