Commentary on Sections Part 1: Natural England and the Commission for Rural Communities Powers of Secretary of State Section 15: Guidance
80.This section gives the Secretary of State power, following consultation with Natural England and the Environment Agency, to give guidance to Natural England about how to carry out its functions. Subsection (1) requires the Secretary of State to give guidance to Natural England as to how it exercises its functions in relation to regional planning and associated functions.
81.Similarly, Schedule 11 contains an amendment to section 4(5) of the Environment Protection Act 1995 to require the Secretary of State to consult Natural England as well as the Environment Agency before giving guidance to the Environment Agency.
82.Natural England and the Environment Agency are required to have regard to guidance issued to them by the Secretary of State.