In particular, the framework will help Defra answer questions such as
• have key aspects of our environment improved?
• have the key pressures on our natural assets changed?
• how have our natural assets and the benefits they provide changed?
• how much progress has been made towards the goals of the 25 Year Environment Plan?
All the indicators that Defra has proposed are intended to show trends over time which can be assessed statistically as positive/improving, negative/deteriorating, or no change/uncertain, using a simple ‘traffic light’ system.
The set as a whole will provide an overview of progress towards the goals of the 25 Year Environment Plan and satisfy the requirements of the draft Environment Bill to publish a set of environmental metrics and to measure progress in improving the environment.
The NFU’s Environment Forum has already been engaged in informal discussions with Defra and the NFU’s initial thoughts on the draft indicator framework are set out in a member briefing here.
Additional comments from NFU members are invited before 25 January 2019 and can be sent to ZGlhbmUubWl0Y2hlbGxAbmZ1Lm9yZy51aw==.
See also: NFU responds to proposals for new environmental body to hold government to account after EU exit