Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers moves a step closer
On 20 January, Environment Minister, Rebecca Pow, announced that recycling plastic bottles and drink cans is set to be easier for tens of millions of people thanks to a new deposit return scheme (DRS). Following the DRS consultation outcome, Defra have created a DRS summary video to find out further information about the scheme being introduced in October 2025. Please be aware this video was accurate as of 20 January 2023, further updates may be made in the future.
CMA to scrutinise ‘green’ claims in sales of household essentials
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating ‘greenwashing’, seeking to get to the bottom of whether products and services that claim to be green or eco-friendly are being marketed to shoppers accurately. Concerning practices could include the use of vague and broad eco-statements, for example, packaging or marketing a product as ‘sustainable’ or ‘better for the environment’ with no evidence to support those claims.
Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier application window opens for 2024 agreements
Farmers and land managers can submit new applications for the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier, rewarding them for their actions to protect and improve their natural environment.
Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier offers multi-year agreements and one-off grants for over 250 different actions farmers can take to enhance the environment alongside their farming business, from planting and maintaining new hedgerows or woodland, through to restoring peatland and moorlands.
Four new government departments
To ensure the whole of government is geared up to deliver for the British people, the Prime Minister, with the approval of His Majesty The King, has created four new departments.
- A new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
- A dedicated Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
- A combined Department for Business and Trade
- A re-focused Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
The changes will ensure the right skills and teams are focussed on the Prime Minister’s five promises: to halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the boats.
New round of Farming Equipment and Technology Fund
Defra has announced that another round of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund is due to open. The fund provides farmers with grants of between £1,000 and £25,000 to buy new equipment that will enhance environmental sustainability, increase productivity, and improve animal health and welfare.
Read more about the fund at:
https://www.fwi.co.uk/business/payments-schemes/new-round-of-farming-equipment-and-technology-fund-opens-soon