Decision details

In response to the ecological emergency, the Government had introduced legislation, guidance and new duties to help drive the recovery of nature. Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (NERC) introduced a legal duty for Councils to conserve and enhance nature. The Environment Act 2021 had since strengthened that responsibility so that Councils must now identify the objectives and actions they will take to meet that duty, and prepare regular reports on how they are meeting those actions. The report sought approval of the ‘first considerations’ document which sets out the Council’s objectives, policies and actions identified to meet the general biodiversity duty.

RESOLVED –

That the Executive Board-

·       Approve the ‘First Considerations’ Report setting out how the Council is fulfilling the biodiversity duty.