The Ambiguous Role of the Environment Agency in England and Wales

Abstract

In the six years of its existence, the Environment Agency for England and Wales has acquired a key role in improving Britain's environment. But a recent report from the House of Commons Select Committee has severely criticised its performance. In this article, we examine four aspects of these criticisms - lack of a coherent vision, low public profile, failure as a regulator, and lack of accountability. Our conclusion is that the critics have often failed to take into account the constraints under which the Agency operates, and that until and unless the Government takes steps to clarify precisely what is the Agency's proper role - whether, for example, as champion of the environment or a champion of sustainable development.