Decision details

To seek the Cabinet Member’s approval for the proposed appointment of Derbyshire County Council by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs as the responsible authority for the for preparation of a Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Derbyshire (and its subsequent review).

That the Cabinet Member:

a)     Notes the contents of the report;

b)     Approves the proposed appointment of Derbyshire County Council, by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, under section 105 of the Environment Act 2021, as the “responsible authority” for Derbyshire, on the basis that the Council will receive New Burdens Funding from Government of £375,000 for 2023-24 and 2024-25 for the preparation of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Derbyshire;

c)     Authorises the Executive Director of Place (in consultation with the Director of Finance and ICT and the Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment) to (i) undertake preparatory activities in anticipation of the proposed appointment and (ii) with effect from the appointment, carry out activities in preparation of the Strategy.

To formally secure the Council’s approval to fulfil the duties of a responsible authority for the preparation, and subsequent review, of a LNRS for Derbyshire as set out under Section 105 of the Environment Act 2021.

The option of the Council declining the designation as the responsible authority for preparing, and subsequently reviewing, a LNRS for Derbyshire has been considered. It is definitely not an option that could be recommended, given the Council’s strategic policy intent to improve the natural environment and the New Burdens Funding the Government is providing for LNRS production.