By Nick Saltmarsh, SD Scene Editor (5 May 2011) - http://sd.defra.gov.uk/2011/05/embedding-sustainable-development-inquiry-government-response/
Following the Government's publication of its response to the Environmental Audit Committee's (EAC) inquiry on embedding sustainable development across Government, the committee heard evidence from Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Rt Hon Caroline Spelman MP and Minister for Government Policy Rt Hon Oliver Letwin MP.
In its official response the Government welcomed the committee's report and stressed its commitment to mainstream sustainable development across Government, in order to:
"deliver growth and jobs, while at the same time 'greening' our economy, protecting and enhancing our natural resources and ensuring greater wellbeing for all."
The response explains that the Government is taking a new approach, building on the work of the Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) and others, as set out in its recently published vision and measures. Although good progress has been made since the UK's first sustainable development strategy in 1994, the Government considers it time "to move SD beyond being considered as a separate, 'green' issue which is a priority for only a few Government departments", agreeing with the SDC's statement to the EAC that:
"Government has had mixed success in embedding sustainable development into policy and decision making processes. This is partly due to weak governance arrangements."
The Government recognises the contribution of SDC commissioners and staff to the understanding and delivery of sustainable development, and appreciates the need to capture its expertise. Its stakeholder engagement and part of its capability building functions are transferring to Defra following the closure of the SDC on 31st March.
The response goes on to address each of the specific recommendations of the EAC report.
On 31st March, Caroline Spelman and Oliver Letwin gave evidence to the committee, accompanied by Mike Anderson, Director General, Green Economy and Corporate Services Group, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
After answering questions on arrangements for the closure of the SDC, Caroline Spelman described the Government's four-pronged approach to mainstreaming sustainable development and Defra's role in championing sustainable development across Government and analysing departmental business plans. Oliver Letwin further explained his responsibility, with Chief Secretary to the Treasury Rt Hon Danny Alexander MP, for reviewing departmental business plans quarterly to ensure that they meet the Government's medium and long term goals, particularly for carbon and sustainability.
Ms Spelman and Mr Letwin answered further questions on the Government's proposals for sustainable development, including the role of the Environmental Audit Committee in monitoring progress, the importance of cabinet committees in ensuring engagement with sustainable development across departments, and guidance on environmental and social impacts in the Treasury's Green Book.
Two ongoing developments of great relevance were highlighted: the importance of the National Ecosystem Assessment and forthcoming Natural Environment White Paper, which will ensure that policy-making address natural capital; and the development of an index of wellbeing to sit alongside reporting of GDP in guiding policy.