Issue - meetings

John White to report on the proposed changes by the Government to Natural England

The Chairman reported on the proposed changes by the Government to Natural England.

The Government had announced, in the light of the budget deficit, proposed changes to government departments and organisations including Natural England.  Local Access Forum Chairs had met with representatives from Natural England to discuss the possible future scenarios and consequences for Forums.

The role of Natural England was likely to focus on evaluation, setting standards, evidence, research, monitoring and delivery with ‘policy’ development’ being owned or moved back to government departments.  Natural England was to provide support and technical advice to policy makers.  Between now and April 2011 it would be reorganised and redefined to become a smaller, more focussed organisation. 

There was uncertainty about the future level of funding and resources for Local Access Forums.  England Access Forum future could lie with Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) as opposed to Natural England as DEFRA would be the body setting policy in the future.  The Natural Environment White Paper would be a key document for England Access Forum and Local Access Forums to consider.

It was suggested that a representative from Natural England be invited to the Forum once the changes have taken place.