Defra has today published a White Paper, A New Vision for Water, which aims to streamline the regulation of the industry and prioritises a resilient and healthy water supply. BALI welcomes the paper and the priorities set throughout.
The White Paper marks a decisive shift towards long-term water security, cleaner rivers, and a stronger emphasis on upstream, nature-based solutions to manage water more sustainably. BALI members are already integral to delivering this approach, designing, building and maintaining sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), while also creating thousands of high-quality landscapes each year, introducing features like rainwater harvesting, permeable paving, and well-structured soil to manage water. Therefore, it is vital they are given the right tools and policy environment to continue contributing at scale. This White Paper represents a positive step in that direction, and BALI will continue to champion the industry’s central role in sustainable water management.
Amy Cobbett, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at BALI, commented:
"While the White Paper presents significant opportunities for the landscaping sector, much will depend on how the forthcoming detail is implemented through the Transition Plan, alongside the Water Bill, both of which are scheduled to be presented to parliament later this year.
It will be vital that policy, regulation and procurement frameworks fully recognise the role of the landscaping industry in delivering nature-based and catchment-scale solutions at pace and scale. BALI will continue to engage with government and industry to advocate for the inclusion of the landscaping industry in delivering the priorities set out in the White Paper."
Defra Water White Paper