While Parliament is in recess and Select Committees and All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) are paused for the summer, government departments have continued to drive forward policy activity on environment and energy.
This month’s updates include new funding for farming, reforms to recycling and planning, and changes to senior leadership at Defra. From DESNZ, announcements focus on carbon capture, energy bill support, offshore wind training, and ongoing consultations shaping the UK’s future energy system.
In this roundup, Asim Ali, ISEP’s Senior Public Affairs Officer, shares the latest departmental developments and what they indicate for the UK’s environmental and energy priorities.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
£150 million in farming grants allocated
Defra has confirmed that £150 million in farming grants has been distributed, with more than 8,000 applications submitted. The funding is intended to support sustainable food production and environmental improvements.
Recycling electrical waste
The government has introduced new rules on recycling electrical waste, requiring online marketplaces to contribute towards the costs of managing items such as washing machines, radios, and vacuum cleaners. According to Defra, the change is designed to create a level playing field for UK retailers and ensure fairer responsibility for dealing with waste electricals.
New Permanent Secretary
Paul Kissack has been appointed as the new Permanent Secretary at Defra, following approval by the Prime Minister and Cabinet Secretary.
Environmental planning reforms
Defra has also announced reforms to the planning system under the “Plan for Change.” The measures are framed as a way to accelerate infrastructure delivery and homebuilding while safeguarding the environment.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)
Carbon capture and jobs growth
The expansion of the HyNet carbon capture project in North Wales and North West England is expected to create 2,800 skilled jobs. The government said the project will enable the storage of up to 4.5 million tonnes of CO₂ annually—equivalent to taking two million cars off the road—and contribute to the UK’s clean energy ambitions.
Energy bill discounts for communities near pylons
Households located close to new pylons will receive a £2,500 discount on their electricity bills over ten years. At the same time, new smart meter measures will give consumers clearer rights and stronger compensation arrangements.
Warm Home Discount reminder
DESNZ has issued a reminder for eligible households on means-tested benefits to check they are listed on their electricity bills so they can automatically receive the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter. The scheme has been expanded to cover an additional 2.7 million households.
Offshore wind training proposals
The government has proposed that offshore wind developers fund skills training for workers in their local communities. The aim is to support the creation of long-term, high-quality jobs, while also offering pathways into renewables for oil and gas workers, apprentices, and school leavers.
Consultations and calls for evidence
Two consultations are currently open. The CCUS future network strategy call for evidence, open until 31st October 2025, is seeking input on how CO₂ networks should evolve to support the UK’s climate and growth objectives. In addition, the smart metering policy framework post-2025 consultation, open until 3rd October 2025, is gathering views on supplier obligations and the completion of the smart meter rollout by 2030.
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
