New natural resource body public consulation

The Welsh Government’s Environment Minister, John Griffiths has launched a consultation to receive views on how a new body that will manage Wales’ natural resources should operate and exactly what powers and duties it should have.

The Minister has launched an eight week consultation which invites further views on specific aspects of the powers and functions of the new body that is due to become fully operational on 1 April 2013.

The new body will replace the Environment Agency Wales, The Countryside Council for Wales and the Forestry Commission for Wales. Its aim is to ensure the most sustainable and effective management of Wales’ natural resources, to deliver a more streamlined way of working and to cut unnecessary duplication to a minimum.

It is estimated that over ten years the body will deliver up to £158 million in benefits before costs, freeing up resources for front line delivery.

The consultation will run until 5 October 2012 and its results will help to shape the Second Order, which will come into effect on 1 April 2013, when the body becomes fully operational.