SL(5)082 – The Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) Regulations 2017

Background and Purpose

These Regulations revoke and replace the Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) Regulations 2003 (“the 2003 Regulations”) which transposed the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC (“the WFD”). This serves the dual purpose of consolidating the 2003 Regulations, which had been amended a number of times, and making aspects of the Regulations more detailed and transparent. This is in response to a Reasoned Opinion of the European Commission relating to transposition of the WFD.

Procedure

Negative

Technical Scrutiny

The following point was identified for reporting under Standing Order 21.2 in respect of this instrument (Standing Order 21.2(ix): that it is not made or to be made in both English and Welsh).

The Explanatory Memorandum states that:

As the Regulations will be subject to UK Parliamentary scrutiny, it is not considered reasonably practicable for this instrument to be made or laid bilingually.

Merits Scrutiny

No points are identified for reporting under Standing Order 21.3 in respect of this instrument.

Legal Advisers

Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee

17 March 2017