The National Audit Office’s has published its report on the Government’s biodiversity net gain (BNG) scheme and how it was implemented, highlighting risks to the schemes long-term success.

The report finds that the scheme was launched before Defra had ‘all the elements in place’ to ‘ensure BNG is a success in the long term’.

Notably, the findings reinforce that local authorities were under resourced and/or underprepared to fulfil their duties effectively and therefore support the successful implementation of the scheme.

The Home Builders Federation has consistently highlighted the need for greater guidance to support local authorities in understanding and exercising their role in BNG implementation.

Rachel Danemann, Regional Planning Manager at the Home Builders Federation said: “The industry is committed to delivering biodiversity net gain and addressing the implementation issues the report correctly outlines, all of which we consistently highlighted to Government in advance of the launch.

Daneman adds: “To enable the effective delivery of BNG moving forward Government needs to be providing more guidance to local authorities, and improving the processes they are expecting all parties to navigate.”

For more information on biodiversity net gain for home builders, view our BNG resources.