Water companies could rise to government calls for evidence on nutrient mitigation

A government call for evidence to inform its announced for funding nutrient mitigation could draw water company proposals for catchment measures such as incentives for farmers to curb fertiliser run-off.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has sought evidence to inform the Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund announced in the Spring Budget. The fund will support the delivery of nutrient mitigations schemes by local authorities.

The call for evidence and accompanying expression of interest is principally targeted at the 74 local planning authorities in England affected by Natural England’s nutrient neutrality advice. In 27 catchments covered by these authorities, housebuilding had been stalled.

DLUHC has expressed interest in hearing evidenced proposals from others parties for measures which could reduce nutrient pollution and unlock housing. Those parties could include water companies who have argued they should be allowed to deliver nutrient reduction via catchment outcomes, rather than solely through wastewater treatment works upgrades as specified in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill.

DLUHC has asked for evidence by 24 May on the impact of nutrient neutrality and potential solutions.

--