Why has the Interim Environmental Protection Assessor for Wales appointed a deputy assessor and what are the remits for both roles?
Earlier this year, the Welsh Government carried out a review of the resourcing of the Interim Assessor. This review was undertaken in response to a recommendation made in the Climate Change Environment and Infrastructure Committee’s September 2022 report into the operation of the environmental governance interim measures.
In light of this review, the Welsh Government has decided to appoint a deputy Interim Assessor.
The appointment will be made by Welsh Ministers, following a public appointment process which will launch later this year.
The additional role will ensure the Interim Assessor has the capacity to consider issues related to the functioning of environmental law and to prepare reports for the Welsh Government.
I have written to the Committee to update them on the resourcing review and its outcomes.