Government cuts could damage environment
Posted: Friday 15th June 2007
UNISON members in the Environment Agency (EA), the government Environment watchdog for England and Wales, are reeling from planned cuts to its budget made by the Department for Rural Affairs (DEFRA), which they fear will lead to 2,000 job losses.
Workers in the EA protect the environment by controlling substances that are discharged into the air and water. They decide how much water can be taken from our rivers and lakes, and protect our homes from flooding. This is essential work when considering how we respond to climate change.
The agency has announced plans to cut costs and instead rely on a system of self-monitoring and assessment which UNISON fears will lead to more air and water pollution.
Steve Bloomfield, UNISON’s head of Utilities said:“The Environment Agency could loose 2000 jobs over the next two years, which will have an extremely damaging impact on the environment. UNISON members are shocked and angry over what is a step backwards in environmental care.
“The government should live up to its green credentials and stop these cuts. The agency should have more funding to enable it to act as an effective champion of the environment. If the government is serious about tackling climate change it should be investing more in the Environment Agency, not less.”
“UNISON members are very concerned that cuts to the EA’s budget and ensuing job loses, coupled with the new approach to regulation, will severely impact on the agencies ability to carry out this role”.
