Foreword by the Secretary of State

I am delighted to publish the Department’s Structural Reform Plan. This is an important opportunity for us to set out our commitments to reform, and when we will implement them.

At the heart of this Department’s business and this Structural Reform Plan is our commitment to make this the greenest government ever. Our work in Defra supports the ambitious programme for government set out by the Coalition, and supports its top priorities.

In doing this, we work in partnership with local communities, civil society, members of the public and businesses, contributing to the Big Society. The Government cannot tackle these issues on its own. Its role is to intervene only when needed, respecting the individual’s contribution. Civil society and local authorities play an important role in bringing people together in local communities to work towards common goals and solutions. People need to be supported in making decisions that will promote their own quality of life, taking responsibility for their environment.

At Defra, we help to strengthen the economy and tackle the deficit. The environment is a crucial component of economic growth, and we work to ensure it is managed sustainably. We support green growth by driving the development of new green products and services, creating new market and business opportunities, stimulating the creation of jobs, and promoting the efficient use of resources by businesses and consumers.

Many of these issues are international in nature, and we will continue to work with other EU countries and international partners. We will also work with and through our network and local authorities, and ensure that decisions are based on sound science and evidence. We will listen to your views and revise the plan following consultation. We will then publish it as a final commitment alongside our agreed budgets in the autumn Spending Review.

Caroline Spelman, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs