Royal Assent for Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act
The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act, which creates two new organisations charged with conserving and enhancing England’s valuable natural environment and giving a stronger voice to rural communities, received Royal assent on 30th March.
The Act enables the creation of “Natural England”, bringing together the strengths of English Nature, parts of the Countryside Agency, and most of the Rural Development Service to conserve and enhance our landscapes and biodiversity, and to help people enjoy them. It also establishes the Commission for Rural Communities, which will act as a rural adviser, advocate and watchdog, charged with ensuring Government policies regarding rural disadvantage are taking effect.
Natural England and the Commission for Rural Communities will be formally established on 1 October 2006. English Nature and the Countryside Agency will be wound up on the same date.
Source: www.defra.gov.uk (accessed 03/04/06)