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Written question asked by Baroness Boycott (Crossbench) on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 3 June 2026. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 June 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Devolution: Climate Change

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage on 9 February (HL Deb col 4GC), whether water pollution, flooding and heatwaves are environmental factors under section 45 of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026.

Answer

The Government has intentionally defined “environmental factors” broadly under section 45 of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026.

Rather than setting out an exhaustive list, the act provides flexibility for strategic authorities, combined authorities, combined county authorities, and mayors to consider the full range of environmental factors that may be relevant when exercising their functions.

This can include matters such as water pollution, flooding, and heatwaves, where these are relevant to their functions and responsibilities.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL259
Session
2026-27
Related items
Subjects
Climate change Devolution
Legislation
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk