Purpose

This report demonstrates how Stockport Council
is fulfilling its statutory duties required by the Environment Act
2021. This requires public authorities to conserve and enhance
biodiversity and to publish a report outlining achievements and
plans. The report also sets out the council’s biodiversity
targets for the next reporting period, and how progress will be
monitored over the five-year period. The Cabinet will be asked to
note the report.

Content

The Cabinet has
considered the draft Stockport Council Biodiversity Report 2026 and
has:-
 
(1) Approved the
5-year biodiversity plan and corresponding targets, governance and
reporting regime.
 
(2) Approved
publication of the final Biodiversity Report via the
council’s website on or before 26th March 2026 to fulfil the
council’s statutory obligation.

Alternative options considered

An alternative option
would be to not publish a Biodiversity Report. This would put the
council in breach of our statutory obligation to report every 5
years under Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural
Communities Act 2006 (“NERC”) Act, as amended by the
Environment Act 2021. Possible outcomes of this option could result
in reputational damage and an untested sanction from
government.
 
A further alternative
option would be to not manage or enhance biodiversity in the
borough over the next 5 years. This would put us in breach of our
statutory obligation to conserve and protect biodiversity under the
Environment Act 2021. Possible outcomes of this option could result
in reputational damage and an untested sanction from
government.