Lords probe drought readiness and regulation for growth

(by Karma Loveday)

The House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee kicks off its new inquiry into the relationship between regulators and economic growth on Tuesday. The first session will hear from academics and is expected to cover issues including: what regulators can do to support growth; the key challenges and trade-offs between growth and other objectives which regulators have; the strengthening of the Growth Duty; the role the Government should play in encouraging regulators to accept more risk; the funding of additional resources which may be required by regulators; how wider changes in data, technology and AI are changing how companies and regulators operate; and legislative or policy change needed to reduce regulatory burdens.

Meanwhile, the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee has published a call for evidence until 24 November for its new inquiry into drought preparedness in England. The aims of this inquiry are to: understand how drought will affect England in the short and long term, particularly in response to climate change; evaluate how effective drought response plans and processes are, including coordination and communication at national, regional and local levels; clarify how drought actions are prioritised; and identify the opportunities for improved drought preparedness and response.