Government makes statement on EIP rapid review

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The UK Government has completed a rapid review of the Environmental Improvement Plan 2023 (EIP23) to assess its effectiveness in achieving environmental targets. Led by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), this review serves as a key step in preparing a revised EIP in 2025, which will be more streamlined and focused on impactful actions.

The review, informed by input from government and external stakeholders, examined EIP23’s progress, environmental data, and delivery against Environment Act targets. While ongoing efforts were noted, the review identified areas for improvement, including better coordination of evidence, clearer accountability, stronger stakeholder engagement, and more sustainable funding.

In revising the EIP, the government aims to:

  • be clear on the role of cross cutting enablers for environmental delivery across government and wider society and how actions interface as part of a system to improve the natural environment;
  • highlight how protecting and enhancing our natural capital is not just for its own sake but supports wider societal outcomes including the Government’s missions for clean energy and growth;
  • clarify Environment Act target delivery plans and update their corresponding interim targets to cover the 5-year period from completion of the review, in line with statutory requirements;
  • clarify how the EIP will be delivered, including the role of government departments and bodies, environmental NGOs, businesses, farmers, landowners/managers, local government and the public; and
  • streamline and prioritise non statutory commitments to make sure that the EIP focuses on key actions that result in meaningful delivery towards environmental improvement, contributing to statutory targets and priority outcomes.

The Government says that the review marks the beginning of further engagement with stakeholders to develop a more effective strategy for protecting and restoring nature, and that they will continue to work closely with experts and organisations to enhance environmental progress.