National Policy Statements (NPS) establish the case for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, as defined in the Planning Act 2008. The current nuclear power NPS lists 8 sites as potentially suitable for the deployment of new nuclear power stations by the end of 2025.

We are considering the planning framework for nuclear power generation for the long term by starting work towards a new NPS for nuclear power generation for deployment after 2025. The first step towards this new NPS is to consult on the process and criteria for designating potentially suitable sites for the deployment of new nuclear power stations between 2026 to 2035 and with over 1GW of single reactor electricity generating capacity. There will be a further consultation on the draft NPS, which will build on the outcome of this consultation.

As part of the designation of the NPS, an Assessment of Sustainability (AoS) will also be undertaken. The scoping report on the AoS sets out how it will be undertaken, the level and type of information it will cover, and how it will be integrated into the development of the proposed new NPS for nuclear. In accordance with Regulation 12(5) of the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004, only specific statutory consultees are being consulted on the AoS Scoping Report. However, we have made the scoping report publicly available on this page, for information purposes only.

We are keen for views on the proposed process and criteria from industry, local authorities, regulators and non-departmental public bodies, NGOs and local residents.

In March 2015, government commissioned an independent Techno-Economic Assessment (TEA) of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in order to contribute to the evidence base and help inform policy decisions.

There are a total of 7 projects that make up the TEA:

• Project 1: Comprehensive analysis and assessment of SMRs. Led by Atkins
• Project 2: Systems optimisation modelling for SMRs. Led by the Energy Technologies Institute
• Project 3: Assessment of emerging SMR technologies. Led by the National Nuclear Laboratory
• Project 4: Assessment of UK regulatory regime for SMRs. Led by Checkendon Hill
• Projects 5-7: SMR Cost reduction study. Led by EY
  • Project 5 – Advanced manufacturing
  • Project 6 – Advanced assembly, modularisation and construction
  • Project 7 – Control, operation and electric systems

The Environment Agency is working with Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Adur District Council and West Sussex County Council to reduce the risk of flooding to Shoreham-by-Sea and East Lancing.

The scheme will reduce the risk of flooding to over 2,300 homes and 169 commercial properties by significantly improving the standard of existing tidal defences in Shoreham-by-Sea.

The £32 million project is partnership funded, with a £23.8 million contribution from government attracting partnership contributions from West Sussex County Council, Coast to Capital LEP, and some private developers through Adur District Council.

The Environment Agency is working with Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Adur District Council and West Sussex County Council to reduce the risk of flooding to Shoreham-by-Sea and Lancing.

The scheme will reduce the risk of flooding to over 2,300 homes and 169 commercial properties by significantly improving the standard of existing tidal defences in Shoreham-by-Sea.

The £32 million project is partnership funded, with a £23.8 million contribution from government attracting partnership contributions from West Sussex County Council, Coast to Capital LEP, and some private developers through Adur District Council.

Landfill Tax is to be devolved to Wales in April 2018. Landfill Tax will no longer apply to disposals of waste in Wales. The Welsh Government will introduce Landfill Disposals Tax which will replace Landfill Tax in Wales.

HM Revenue and Customs has published draft legislation, together with a draft explanatory memorandum, for an 4 week period of consultation which will close on 4 January 2018. Find out more in the tax information and impact note
Devolution of Landfill Tax to Wales and the 2 year transitional period for the Landfill Communities Fund

The draft legislation introduces the changes needed to make sure that Landfill Tax is paid on all disposals up until 31 March 2018, even if it would normally be accounted for at a later date. This will allow LCF funds to continue being spent on projects in Wales for a 2 year transitional period following devolution.