Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs - Sixth Report

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Here you can browse the report together with the Proceedings of the Committee. The published report was ordered by the House of Commons to be printed 3 May 2000.

CONTENTS

Terms of Reference

LIST OF WITNESSES

APPENDICES TO THE MINUTES OF EVIDENCE

LIST OF MEMORANDA

UNPUBLISHED MEMORANDA

REPORT

INTRODUCTION
Background to the inquiry

History of this Committee's involvement with the Environment Agency

Perceptions of progress since the Agency's formation

ROLE OF THE AGENCY

Developing a vision of the Agency's role

Agency influence on public debate and on environment and sustainable development policy

STRUCTURE

Boundaries

MANAGEMENT AND STAFF

Waste and IPPC inspectors

Waste

Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control

MANAGEMENT STRUCTURES AND THE PAY SYSTEM

'Matrix management'

Treatment of technical specialists

The pay system

Recommendations

ATTITUDE TO REGULATION AND RELATIONSHIP WITH INDUSTRY

Availability and clarity of guidance

Radioactive substances

Consistency between regions

Time taken to deal with issues

Fees and charges

Incentive charging

Use of data on environmental performance and the 'Hall of Shame'

Court fines

Engagement with senior people from Industry

Measuring effectiveness

ACCOUNTABILITY

Regional advisory committees

Cooperation with Regional Development Agencies and Regional Chambers

Engagement with local communities

OTHER ISSUES

Funding

Integration of nature conservation objectives into all aspects of the Agency's work

Flood defence

Funding

Conclusion

Influence on planning decisions

Development in floodplains

Conclusions

Fly-tipping

Abstraction licensing

Conclusion

SUMMARY OF CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

ANNEX - VISIT TO THE SOUTH WEST

PROCEEDINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENT SUB-COMMITTEE RELATING TO THE REPORT

PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE RELATING TO THE REPORT

LIST OF REPORTS IN THE CURRENT PARLIAMENT

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Prepared 20 May 2000