The Environment Agency Wales (EAW) which regulates waste management in Wales – the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) and Forestry Commission Wales (FCW) are to be brought together into one organisation.
The decision by Welsh environment minister John Griffiths follows nine months of scoping work by Welsh Government officials, representatives from the three bodies and other organisations with an interest in the sector. The minister made his decision after considering a detailed business case that assessed the move to a single environment body.
A programme team staffed mainly by people from the three bodies will be established to undertake the necessary preparatory work to ensure that the new body can function properly from 1st April 2013.
Over a ten year period, it is estimated that the transition from three environment bodies to just one could result in savings of up to 158m.
Decision
Speaking about his decision, the minister said: Having carefully considered the business case, I am convinced that the establishment of a single environmental body will ensure the most sustainable and effective management of Wales natural resources.
Not only will one body result in a more streamlined way of working, it will also ensure more effective delivery, improved value for money and better outcomes for Welsh people, Welsh businesses and the environment.
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Chris Mills, director of Environment Agency Wales, insisted that the merger would not hamper the agencys work in areas such as tackling waste crime.
He said: “We welcome the ministers announcement and will provide our full support to creating this new body whilst continuing to deliver for the people of Wales on flooding, waste crime and regulating industry.
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