John Griffiths, Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
A revised draft of the Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 has today been laid in the National Assembly. This Functions Order will transfer the full range of functions to the new single environment body for Wales – Natural Resources Wales.
The Order will be voted on by Assembly Members on 19 March 2013. To help Members consider the detail of the Functions Order, I am also publishing a draft of the Natural Resources Body for Wales Transfer Scheme.
The Transfer Scheme covers the transfer of assets, liabilities and staff from the Countryside Council for Wales, Environment Agency and Forestry Commission to the new body (and certain transfers to and from the Welsh Government).
The Scheme will encompass asset and liability transfers, including data and intellectual property rights, as well as staff transfers (including protections for employment and pension rights). It will also be the vehicle for contract transfers.
I expect formally to make the final version of the Scheme in late March when, for example, final lists of the staff and assets that will transfer have been confirmed.
The Transfer Scheme, made under section 23 of the Public Bodies Act 2011, will not be subject to a vote in the Assembly, but Assembly Members may find it helpful to have access to the Transfer Scheme in its present draft format when considering the Functions Order.