Environment Bill — Report (2nd Day) — Amendment 24 — 8 Sep 2021 at 19:00

Moved by Lord Krebs

24: Clause 25, leave out Clause 25 and insert the following new Clause-“OEP independence (1) The OEP has complete discretion in the carrying out of its functions, including in-(a) preparing its enforcement policy,(b) exercising its enforcement functions, and(c) preparing and publishing its budget.(2) At the start of each period of multi-annual funding and no later than 1 April 2023, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament, and publish, a statement setting out the multi-annual budget which they intend to provide to the OEP.(3) The Secretary of State must lay before Parliament, and publish, a statement responding to any request from the OEP for additional funding due to a change in the body’s responsibilities or functions, within three months of that request being received.(4) In making or terminating appointments under paragraph 1 and paragraph 5 of Schedule 1, the Secretary of State must obtain the consent of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Environmental Audit Committees of the House of Commons.”Member’s explanatory statementThis amendment aims to ensure that the OEP is as independent as possible.

Ayes 180, Noes 151.

Debate in Parliament |