Defra’s approach to environmental regulation has largely been reactive rather than based on a clear strategy and evidence of what is needed. Its regulatory approach has tended to focus on short-term priorities or high- profile issues, as shown by recent increases in farm and water company inspections.23 We asked Defra what a good strategic approach to regulation should be. Defra responded that it is important to be clear what success looks like and acknowledged that it has not set out its req...

Defra’s approach to environmental regulation has largely been reactive rather than based on a clear strategy and evidence of what is needed. Its regulatory approach has tended to focus on short-term priorities or high- profile issues, as shown by recent increases in farm and water company inspections.23 We asked Defra what a good strategic approach to regulation should be. Defra responded that it is important to be clear what success looks like and acknowledged that it has not set out its required outcomes as clearly as it should in some areas. Defra told us it will soon issue “strategic policy statements” for both Natural England and the Env Type: conclusion | Number: 11 | Response status: response_pending