Former No10 Policy Unit head Dan Corry to examine regulatory landscape for economic and environmental balance
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced the appointment of economist Dan Corry to lead an internal review of its regulation and regulators. The review, announced 15 October 2024, will examine whether the inherited regulatory landscape is fit for purpose and develop recommendations to ensure that regulation across the Department is driving economic growth while protecting the environment.
Corry's review will explore whether Defra regulators are equipped to drive economic growth, secure private sector investment and protect the environment. It will also examine the customer and stakeholder experience of regulation, including the impact on those who are regulated. Additionally, the review will assess the efficiency of regulation, particularly focusing on potential duplication or contradiction, and opportunities for improvement.
This review is part of a broader initiative to position Defra as a key economic growth department, with regulatory reform aimed at several key areas. The department seeks to boost private sector investment in the water sector, creating tens of thousands of jobs and accelerating the delivery of infrastructure to address water pollution and enable economic growth.
Defra also aims to transform regional economies through the development of a circular economy, focusing on increased reuse of existing materials and waste reduction in key sectors such as construction and packaging. The review will explore ways to develop pragmatic solutions for building homes and infrastructure while improving environmental outcomes.
Dan Corry
Dan Corry brings significant experience to the role, with a career spanning government, academia, and the nonprofit sector. He previously served as Head of the No10 Policy Unit under former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and has held advisory positions in various government departments, including the Treasury and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
Currently the Chief Executive of New Philanthropy Capital (NPC), a consultancy and think tank focused on maximising social impact in the charitable sector, Corry has extensive experience in economic policy and regulatory reform.
The announcement of this review follows the government's International Investment Summit on 14 October, where the Prime Minister outlined billions of pounds worth of investment deals and plans to tackle unnecessary regulation.
Get our weekly digest
resource.co article ai
How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.