Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: For Determination

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: December 9, 2025

Purpose: Local authorities are required to report on their Enhanced Biodiversity Duty, with the first reports due by 1 January 2026. Under the Environment Act 2021, all public bodies must consider how biodiversity conservation and enhancement are met across their functions. For local authorities, this also includes a legal duty to prepare a report, covering past actions and setting out a five-year plan for nature recovery.

Content: Resolved:   That Cabinet:   1.    Approves the enhanced biodiversity duty Report   2.    Notes the actions taken to date   3.    Endorses the 5-year plan which directs the focus for improvements.   Reasons for Decision:   Public Authorities must report their consideration, actions they’ve carried out to comply with the enhanced biodiversity duty (EBD) and how they will comply with it over the next five years. The end date of the first reporting period is 1st January 2026. All EBD reports must be published within 12 weeks of the reporting period end date.