Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs
Councils are implementing environmental changes under the Environment Act 2021, overseen by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Harrow Council is applying to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to become a Responsible Body for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), a status that would allow it to manage funds from new developments for local environmental enhancement. This decision, recommended for approval by the Cabinet in February 2026, enables the council to enter conservation covenant agreements under the Environment Act 2021.
Separately, Barking and Dagenham Council decided in January 2026 to introduce new weekly food waste collections for all households, aligning with the Environment Act 2021, which DEFRA oversees. The council plans to begin these collections in March 2026, with the full new service commencing in October 2026.
Key facts
- Harrow Council's Cabinet recommended approval for Responsible Body status for Biodiversity Net Gain in February 2026. Source
- Barking and Dagenham Council decided in January 2026 to introduce new weekly food waste collections. Source
- Barking and Dagenham Council plans to begin food waste collections in March 2026. Source
- Barking and Dagenham Council's new food waste service is set to commence in October 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.