Greenpeace Ruling Exposes UK Government Policy
March 3, 2025
In January 2025, Greenpeace brought a collective action against the Dutch state for failing to comply with a 2018 European Court of Justice ruling on nutrient neutrality. An appeal is expected: however, as the UK Government has adopted the same ‘tax builders for pollution others cause’ approach to reducing nutrient pollution, it may find itself needing to reassess its strategy if it is to escape legal action.
Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), said:
“Labour inherited a disastrous ‘blame builders’ policy by the last government, which flirted with reversing their approach, but prioritised their party over growth and fairness by choosing to tax developers to mitigate pollution cause by agriculture and water waste companies. The Netherlands has exposed this approach as flawed, something industry has been warning Government about since 2019, because pollution in protected habitats has not improved.”
The UK Government chose to replicate the Netherland’s model of taxing the development industry by forcing them to purchase local mitigation credits to offset the impact of new developments. Unfortunately, in many areas, these credits remain unavailable and even when this meant housebuilding was banned, water quality often worsened.
Rico Wojtulewicz, Head of Policy and Market Insight, added:
“New housing accounts for less than 1% of nutrient pollution, and that pollution comes from occupants, who already pay water companies to clean up their waste. The only solution is to help farmers pollute less, since they contribute up to 75% of it, and ensure water companies are held accountable by requiring them to deliver infrastructure, such as treatment works, and using emergency planning powers to support these projects.
Blaming builders has only worsened the quality of watercourses. For example, despite no new housing being built near the River Lugg, pollution levels have still increased. Water companies continue to escape accountability by using a developer tax to deliver solutions such as wetlands, while existing waterways continue to be polluted. Meanwhile, the credit mitigation system has seen SME builders hit the hardest, projects ended due to a lack of credit availability, and UK food security reduced through loss of farmland in order to create mitigation credits.
This perverse six-year experiment must end, not just for the sake of growth, but for the health of the UK’s environment.”
You May Also Enjoy
Streamlining Property Documentation for Fast Transactions
Property transactions often stall due to paperwork bottlenecks. Missing documents, hard-to-read files, and format incompatibilities can turn straightforward sales into lengthy ordeals. For estate agents, property managers, and solicitors, these delays mean unhappy clients and lost revenue. Efficient document management sits at the centre of smooth property transactions. Converting files between formats quickly ensures that…
Read More 
Record number of contacts for The Property Ombudsman
• 73,035 consumers contacted The Property Ombudsman in 2024 • 19,495 property businesses registered • £1.49 million awarded to consumers • 7,823 enquiries were related to tenant issues • 4,980 cases resolved by early resolution and formal investigation • 71% of cases resolved by formal investigation were found in favour of the consumer • 2,107…
Read More 
Exercise Equipment Movers Services Los Angeles: 8 Excellent Ways for Easy Home Gym Relocation
The city of Los Angeles is a very vibrant city and one that presents challenges that are quite different from most other cities of the country. Los Angeles is known for having a diverse and vibrant culture which can be experienced both in small neighborhoods as well as in the city’s core. Los Angeles, a…
Read More 
How to Choose an Air Conditioning Installation Engineer
With rising temperatures becoming more common in the UK, many homeowners are considering installing air conditioning systems to maintain comfortable indoor environments. However, selecting the right professional to handle your air conditioning installation is crucial for ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulations. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the process of choosing a…
Read More 
Over Half of UK Property Investors Plan to Expand Portfolios in 2025
Portfolio Growth: 54% of investors intend to increase the size of their portfolios, with 73% aiming to diversify geographically and 75% sectorally, reflecting a strategic approach to growth. London Leads Again: Cited by 46% of respondents, London has regained its crown as the most attractive region, followed by the East of England at 42%.…
Read More 
Why Walk-In Baths Can Enhance the Value of Your Home and Property
Walk-in baths are becoming an increasingly popular feature in modern homes, and for good reason. With an ageing population, a greater emphasis on accessible design, and a desire for luxury upgrades, walk-in baths offer both practical and aesthetic advantages. Beyond their health and convenience benefits, they can also significantly enhance your property’s value. Increased Accessibility…
Read More