Other stories from last week

(by Karma Loveday)

The Environmental Principles Policy Statement (EPPS), designed to put the environment at the heart of policymaking, came into effect last week for the Northern Ireland Executive. Government ministers and officials now have a legal duty to consider the potential positive and negative effects on the environment of policy choices. The EPPS covers five environmental principles set out in law, including the polluter pays principle. 

The Country Land and Business Association Cymru will host the first Wye Water Summit on 1 October 2026. This will bring multiple stakeholders together to discuss the challenges faced by the river. Particular focus will be on the consequences of the recent prolonged hot weather and how to build resilience for the future. Water temperatures in the Wye at times reached 26°C this year, and levels in parts of the river are 59% below typical summer levels. Low flows and high temperatures disrupt oxygen and nutrient levels, disrupting the health of the river. The aim is to unearth some practical, data-driven steps farmers can take to improve land and water management, including preparing for future weather events.

South East Water has extended for three years its engineering and asset planning services framework agreement with AtkinsRéalis. The supplier will continue to support delivery of South East Water’s £1.9bn AMP8 investment programme.