Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution (RCEP) Review 2006/2007

The Government confirmed on 4 June 2008 that it will continue to support the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution (RCEP).

An independent review of the Commission, conducted by independent consultants and published in July 2007, concluded that there is a continuing need for the functions provided by the Commission.

The Government published its response to the review on 4 June 2008, concluding that the Commission added significant, valuable policy advice to the government and, with some modernisation, should continue to be supported.

Defra and RCEP have identified potential savings of up to £89,000 per year in the Commission’s budget, which will be used to deliver the recommended modernisation programme.

The value of RCEP to Government is based on its combination of independence and scientific authority. The Government values its reports which are highly influential and deliver significant policy benefits.

Defra will provide a stable budget for the RCEP for the current Spending Review period to ensure the organisation’s stability. The budget for 2008-09 will be approximately £1 million.

2006/07 review

The review was in line with Cabinet Office guidance that public bodies are subjected to periodic study to ensure that they are still delivering high quality services and are adequately resourced.

The review of the RCEP was initiated by the Minister of State for the Environment, Ian Pearson, through a Written Ministerial Statement on the 27 November 2006.  On 16 July 2007, his successor, Phil Woolas, announced publication of the review report, produced by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) on behalf of Defra.

Contact

If you have any queries please email elizabeth.hogben@defra.gsi.gov.uk.

Page last modified: 4 June 2008
Page published: 28 November 2006