Rapid Evidence Assessment of Growth Related to Water Catchment Improvements

Tender description

"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."