Purpose

Local authorities are required to report on
their Enhanced Biodiversity Duty, with the first reports due by 1
January 2026. Under the Environment Act 2021, all public bodies
must consider how biodiversity conservation and enhancement are met
across their functions. For local authorities, this also includes a
legal duty to prepare a report, covering past actions and setting
out a five-year plan for nature recovery.

Content

Resolved:

 

That Cabinet:

 
1.   
Approves the enhanced biodiversity
duty Report
 
2.   
Notes the actions taken to
date

 
3.   
Endorses the 5-year plan which directs
the focus for improvements.
 
Reasons for Decision:
 
Public
Authorities must report their consideration, actions they’ve
carried out to comply with the enhanced biodiversity duty (EBD) and
how they will comply with it over the next five years. The end date
of the first reporting period is 1st January
2026. All EBD reports must be published within 12 weeks of the
reporting period end date.