The Environment Agency consults the public on certain applications for waste operations, mining waste operations, installations, water discharge and groundwater activities. In some cases they also consult on draft decisions for environmental permits. The arrangements are explained in its Public Participation Statement
These notices explain:

• the Environment Agency’s proposed decision and the reasons and considerations on which they’ve based this
• additional relevant information available since the application was advertised
• any information or guidance provided by the Secretary of State relevant to the application

The Environment Agency consults the public on certain applications for waste operations, mining waste operations, installations, water discharge and groundwater activities. In some cases they also consult on draft decisions for environmental permits. The arrangements are explained in its Public Participation Statement
These notices explain:

• the Environment Agency’s proposed decision and the reasons and considerations on which they’ve based this
• additional relevant information available since the application was advertised
• any information or guidance provided by the Secretary of State relevant to the application

The EU Directorate General awarded a 3-year grant to Natural England and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) in 2016 to jointly run a pilot study, known as the Results-Based Agri-environment Payment Scheme (RBAPS).

There are 2 other pilot studies funded by the EU in:

• Ireland and Spain
• Romania

Agreement holders get paid by results, not by following set methods. Management actions taken are not assessed. Agreement holders can choose the most suitable method to achieve the agreed end result.

The results of all 3 pilot studies will shape land management scheme design in England and the EU for the future.

RBAPS is being applied to 4 land management options – 2 options each in 2 locations in England. The tables show how RBAPS management options compare to current Environmental Stewardship (ES) and Countryside Stewardship (CS) options.

Study areas

The 2 pilot study areas test grassland and arable management options.

Grassland options – Wensleydale, North Yorkshire

Read the grassland factsheet (attached on this page) for progress in Wensleydale.

Arable options – Norfolk and Suffolk

Read the arable factsheet (attached on this page) for progress in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Study aims

Natural England and the YDNPA will:

• design and implement the pilot scheme
• develop ways of measuring results for the 4 management options
• monitor control sites
• analyse results

Measuring success

Results will test how:

• RBAPS affects environmental performance
• accurately farmers carry out self-assessment as part of the new approach
• cost effective the approach is
• well farmers and stakeholders respond to the approach

The pilot study will publish 2 newsletters each year providing updates for the lifetime of the scheme. Read issue 1 attached on this page.

Read the National Audit Office summary report on government’s use of payment by results schemes. The report concludes that sharing good practice and gathering strong evidence is vital for the success of these schemes.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in flood and coastal risk management across Devon and Cornwall, heading up a committee that works closely with other public bodies and interest groups.

In addition to leadership skills, the chair must be able to provide strategic direction, stimulate discussion and be an effective networker and influencer. He or she will also be required to work with other flood committee chairs and develop a good understanding of government priorities for flood management.

Ben Johnstone, Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager for the Environment Agency, said:

This is a great role, working to reduce the risk of flooding and coastal erosion in one of the most beautiful parts of our country. The challenges are varied and will become more significant as our climate changes. We have a huge exposed coastline, rapid responding catchments, river and surface water flooding, not just in urban areas, but spread all across hundreds of rural communities.

How we think about managing risks is changing. We need to design to work with and co-exist with nature. As the committee chair you will be instrumental in making this happen.

The South West Regional Flood and Coastal Committee is one of 12 committees across the country that make key decisions on local priorities for flood and coastal risk management.

The committee is made up of members appointed by Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) and independent members with relevant experience and sets out to achieve the following goals:

• ensuring suitable plans are in place for identifying, communicating and managing flood and coastal erosion risks across catchments and shorelines
• encouraging the appropriate level of investment in flood and coastal risk management that provides value for money and benefits local communities.
• providing a link between the Environment Agency, LLFAs, other risk management authorities and relevant bodies to increase understanding of flood and coastal erosion risks in its area

People from a wide range of backgrounds are invited to apply for this post, especially those from black and minority ethnic backgrounds and women who are currently under-represented on regional flood and coastal committees.

Further information is available from the Cabinet Office. The closing date for applications is 20 March 2017.

Following a wet week across England, particularly in the north-west, river flows are mainly normal or higher for the time of year.