The new civil powers will allow regulators to respond in ways proportionate to the seriousness of non-compliance and will also allow for more effective enforcement of environmental criminal law offences in England and Wales.

“We appreciate the work that Defra and its regulators have put in to develop a more flexible and proportionate approach to environmental enforcement, and for having involved us in that work. The availability of sanctions, other than just criminal prosecution, in dealing with business which do not comply with the law is long overdue. We have made it clear that there needs to be clarity and transparency on these extra sanctions for regulators and their use needs to be proportionate and consistent. We call on regulators to use a ‘no surprises’ approach when carrying out enforcement action on agricultural businesses. The new sanctions must not replace existing informal methods such as advice and guidance.” NFU Head of Policy Services Andrew Clarke.

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