(1)In preparing a new plan under section 13 the Secretary of State must consider—
(a)what has been done to implement the old plan,
(b)whether, having regard to data obtained under section 16 and reports made by the OEP under section 28, the natural environment has improved since the beginning of the period to which the old plan relates, and
(c)whether Her Majesty’s Government should take further or different steps (compared to those set out in the old plan) to improve the natural environment in the period to which the new environmental improvement plan relates.
(2)In considering the matters in subsection (1)(b) the Secretary of State must consider the progress that has been made towards meeting—
(a)any targets set under sections 1 to 3, and
(b)any interim targets set under sections 11 and 14.
(3)In considering the matters in subsection (1)(c) the Secretary of State must consider whether Her Majesty’s Government should take further or different steps (compared to those set out in the old plan) towards meeting any targets set under sections 1 to 3.
(4)In this section references to the “new plan” and the “old plan” are to be read in accordance with section 13.
Commencement Information
I1S. 15 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 147(3)
I2S. 15 in force at 24.1.2022 by S.I. 2022/48, reg. 2(b)