At the same time, DESNZ is accelerating the clean energy transition with expanded solar schemes, thousands of new green jobs and stronger protections for energy consumers.
Select Committees and All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) have also remained active—scrutinising water security, waste crime and climate policy ahead of COP30.
In this month’s roundup, Asim Ali, ISEP’s Senior Public Affairs Officer, shares the latest developments shaping the UK’s environment and energy priorities.
Over £10 million in fines from water companies are being redirected to 51 local environmental projects through DEFRA’s Water Restoration Fund. These projects aim to repair ecosystems affected by sewage and pollution, support rewilding, restore floodplains and improve water quality across England.
DEFRA has confirmed that more than 24,000 homes and businesses have received improved flood protection during the past year through 151 completed schemes. In addition, a record £10.5 billion has been allocated for flood defences, expected to protect around 900,000 properties.
Paul Kissack has been appointed Permanent Secretary of DEFRA, taking overall responsibility for strategy across environment, farming and rural affairs.
DEFRA has published several significant policy responses to environmental oversight bodies:
- Government response to the OEP review: Local Nature Recovery Strategies
Sets out how local strategies will contribute to national nature recovery commitments, ensuring coordination across regions to deliver measurable biodiversity improvements.
- Government response to the OEP report: Environmental Improvement Plan progress (2023–2024)
Provides the government’s assessment of progress towards improving England’s natural environment between April 2023 and March 2024. The response outlines steps to address gaps and accelerate progress in priority areas such as air quality, water quality and habitat restoration.
- Government response to the Climate Change Committee 2025 Adaptation Progress Report
Summarises how the government intends to act on the Committee’s recommendations to strengthen climate resilience. It highlights initiatives to improve flood protection, safeguard water resources and ensure critical infrastructure can adapt to changing environmental risks.
The National Drought Group has warned that drought conditions are likely to continue into 2026 following record dry weather across England. DEFRA are urging long-term preparedness to protect water resources, improve resilience, and adapt to the impacts of climate change on the water system.
DEFRA has announced a “common-sense” reform of environmental permitting, aimed at reducing waiting times and simplifying the application process for businesses. The changes are expected to speed up construction of new homes and infrastructure while maintaining environmental safeguards.
Communities across the UK are set to benefit from expanded Great British Energy investment, with up to £75 million allocated to install solar panels across military bases, hospitals, and schools.
The government has approved the Tillbridge Solar Farm. These projects will generate enough clean electricity to power the equivalent of 7.5 million homes. The initiative will support over 1,000 new jobs, homegrown energy that reduces bills and boosts security.
A new Clean Energy Jobs Plan outlines how the UK will create 400,000 additional jobs by 2030, spanning 31 priority roles such as electricians, plumbers and welders.
DESNZ has announced new measures to strengthen consumer rights in the energy market. These include faster compensation through the Energy Ombudsman, tighter regulation of energy brokers, and new protections for businesses installing smart meters.
In Wales, the Clean Energy Jobs Plan is expected to create 15,000 new roles by 2030. Priority occupations will mirror national trends - particularly in skilled trades and technical services. Skills pilots in Pembrokeshire, Cheshire and Lincolnshire, backed by £2.5 million, will support new training centres and career programmes.
Great British Energy is expanding solar installation to 34 additional NHS trusts—covering around 70 new sites across England. This expansion is expected to save up to £65 million in lifetime energy costs, which will be reinvested into frontline services.
More than 250,000 families will soon receive letters confirming their £150 discount under the Warm Home Discount scheme.
The government’s latest climate plan sets out how clean energy growth will deliver lower bills, good jobs, warmer homes, and cleaner air.
Ahead of COP30, Minister for Climate Katie White MP and Germany’s State Secretary Jochen Flasbarth issued an open letter reaffirming the UK’s commitment to international climate finance.
Clive Maxwell has been appointed Interim Permanent Secretary at DESNZ. With a strong background in economic and energy policy, he will guide the department through the next phase of its clean energy and net-zero delivery programme.
Published as part of the government’s Industrial Strategy, the Clean Energy Jobs Plan provides a comprehensive roadmap for recruiting, training and supporting workers across the low-carbon sector.
An open consultation, running until 4 December 2025, seeks views on proposals to expand the powers of the Energy Ombudsman.
The Carbon Budget and Growth Delivery Plan outlines how the UK will continue to meet its statutory carbon budgets while ensuring the transition supports jobs, innovation and affordability.
The Environmental Audit Committee has cautioned that continued airport expansion could place the UK’s net-zero goals “in serious jeopardy” unless stronger safeguards are introduced. The Committee’s Chair also responded to the publication of the new Carbon Budget Delivery Plan, raising questions about how the government will achieve decarbonisation while maintaining UK jobs and industry competitiveness.
The Energy Security and Net Zero Committee has criticised Ofgem’s handling of consumer energy debt, describing the regulator’s response as “inadequate”. The Committee argues that excess network profits could have been redirected to relieve household debt. It has also opened a new inquiry into the future of UK oil and gas, examining the industry’s role in the energy transition and long-term energy security.
In the House of Lords, the Environment and Climate Change Committee has launched an inquiry into the UK’s preparedness for drought, following record-low rainfall and continuing water stress across England. The Committee has also called for an independent review of waste crime, citing multiple enforcement failures and urging the Government to strengthen the Environment Agency’s response.
The Climate Change APPG recently hosted a roundtable with Climate Minister Katie White MP and Archbishop Marinez Santos Bassotto to discuss preparations for COP30 and the UK’s role in international climate finance.
Asim joined ISEP in May 2022 as a Senior Public Affairs Officer. Prior to joining ISEP, Asim worked in a variety of roles for three Members of Parliament and interned for the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. He also holds an MA in Human Rights, Globalisation & Justice
