Producer responsibility for packaging in place since 1997. This has helped to drive recycling of packaging waste from 25%, 20 years ago to 64.7% in 2016. Over this period we have met all our UK and EU packaging waste recycling targets, and the cost of compliance to business has been kept low when compared to other EU Member States. However, like any system that is over 20 years old, it is in need of reform. Stakeholders have expressed concerns over the transparency of the system including how income from the sale of evidence has supported packaging waste recycling; that local authorities receive limited direct financial support for managing packaging waste; and that there is not a level playing field for domestic reprocessing.  Consultation closes 13th May.    https://consult.defra.gov.uk/environmental-quality/consultation-on-reforming-the-uk-packaging-produce/

DEFRA is consulting on ways to improve management of water in the environment.  Consultation closes 12th March. This consultation sets out our proposals for better long-term planning for water resources and drainage and modernising water regulations. https://consult.defra.gov.uk/water/improving-management-of-water-in-the-environment/

The Environment Agency is consulting on revision of the current standard rules for flood risk activities and create three new ones.  Consultation closes 11th January 2019. https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/fcrm/standard-rules-for-flood-risk-activities/