Creation of Natural England (integrating English Nature, and the bulk of the Countryside Agency and the Rural Development Service) - to ensure that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced and managed for the benefit of present and future generations and thereby contribute to sustainable development.
Establishment of the Commission for Rural Communities to ensure the Government's policies make a real and tangible difference to people in rural areas, especially in tackling social and economic exclusion and disadvantage.
Powers to allow both the Secretary of State, and Defra's delivery bodies, to delegate functions to one another by mutual consent. Aim is to provide simpler and more effective access to services and customers and enable future efficiency savings through rationalisation.
General powers to enable the Secretary of State to take forward the findings of a review of Levy Bodies and to directly fund activities within Defra's remit, thus providing maximum flexibility. Updates wildlife protection, SSSI and national park legislation.
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