The Environmental Targets (Public Authorities) Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill which would create a new requirement for public bodies specified in the bill to contribute towards meeting environmental targets established under the Climate Change Act 2008 and the Environment Act 2021. This would include requirements to contribute towards the UK’s target to meet net zero greenhouse gas emissions, improve the UK’s biodiversity and reduce pollution and waste.
Environmental Targets (Public Authorities) Bill [HL] (301KB PDF)
The Environmental Targets (Public Authorities) Bill [HL] was introduced by Lord Krebs (Crossbench). First reading of the bill took place on 3 September 2024 and second reading is scheduled to take place on 18 October 2024. The bill would apply to England and Wales.
Lord Krebs has argued creating a new legal requirement for public bodies to contribute towards the UK’s environmental targets is necessary given the significant contribution they make towards shaping environmental policies.
The bill would apply to several regulators, including:
It would also apply to other public bodies such as the Crown Estate, Network Rail and the UK Infrastructure Bank as well as local authorities, including county councils, district councils and combined authorities. National park authorities in England and Wales designated by government ministers using secondary legislation could also be included in the list of public bodies these provisions would apply to. The bill includes provisions to enable government ministers to add new public bodies to the list through secondary legislation.
Environmental Targets (Public Authorities) Bill [HL] (301KB PDF)
The Nature’s Rights Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill sponsored by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green Party). The bill would recognise nature as a legal subject, granting it specific rights for protection and restoration. The bill would set out a legal framework for how this would operate, including an integrated rights framework and mechanisms for how nature’s rights would be implemented and enforced.
![Nature’s Rights Bill [HL]: HL Bill 7 of 2026–27](https://lordslibrary-parliament.studio24.dev/content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/Environment-568x426.png)
Rural areas contribute a significant proportion of England’s economic output. The government has announced several policies intended to support growth in the rural economy, including farming. However, it has faced criticism for the delay in outlining its overall strategy for the agricultural sector. This briefing provides data on the rural economy and summarises government policy and stakeholder reaction
In recent years, electricity prices for both households and businesses have seen significant increases. This briefing sets out how electricity bills are calculated, how much on average they cost and how they compare internationally. It also provides commentary on why prices have been so high and gives an overview of government policy in this area.
