Pipeline Framework: Rapid Evidence Assessment of Growth Related to Water Catchment Improvements

A pipeline has been launched for Rapid Evidence Assessment of Growth Related to Water Catchment Improvements.The contract start Date is 11 September 2021. Approach to market date is 9 August 2021.”Government priorities post Covid 19 will be balancing public sector finances by promoting increased productivity and economic growth as well as ensuring greater equality in wealth distribution by levelling up, i.e. greater investment and jobs.We want to explore how Defra and the Environment Agency’s work to improve water catchments could contribute to these priorities. Specifically, does it contribute to increasing productivity and economic activity? The theory of change is that the reduction in environmental risks and enhancement of natural capital can lead to both greater productivity and a growth in jobs in a locality.The work should be conducted in the form of a Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA). The REA will need to use the methodology developed by Defra/ NERC Joint Water Evidence Group (Production_of_quick_scoping_reviews_and_rapid_evidence_assessments.pdf) where possible.This research will develop the conceptual model for thinking about how Environment Agency and Defra activities to improve water catchments contribute to local economic growth. These activities include: flood risk management, enhancing water quality through legislation (e.g. River Basin Management Plans and regulating/influencing farming practices) and abstraction and discharge licences. Relevant measures of economic growth could include job creation, greater productivity, business growth, infrastructure development, regeneration and housing. The work could also consider reducing inequality.”This is a potential opportunity from the government, and the pipeline gives advance notice of an opportunity that might be offered by the public sector in the future – allowing potential suppliers to plan accordingly. When a public sector organisation publishes a pipeline notice, it does not necessarily mean that an opportunity will be offered in the future.For more information contact: DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT FOOD & RURAL AFFAIRS, Environment Agency, Sir John Moore House, Victoria Square, Bodmin PL31 1EB. Tel: 02030258796. Email: Viviana.Levy@environment-agency.gov.uk (Viviana Levy)