National Policy Statements

What are National Policy Statements?

National Policy Statements (NPSs)  are produced by Government. They give reasons for the policy set out in the statement, and must include an explanation of how the policy takes account of Government policy relating to the mitigation of, and adaptation to, climate change. They include the Government’s objectives for the development of nationally significant infrastructure in a particular sector and state:

  • How this will contribute to sustainable development.
  • How these objectives have been integrated with other Government policies.
  • How actual and projected capacity and demand have been taken into account.
  • Consider relevant issues in relation to safety or technology.
  • Circumstances where it would be particularly important to address the adverse impacts of development.
  • Specific locations, where appropriate, in order to provide a clear framework for investment and planning decisions.

They also include any other policies or circumstances that Ministers consider should be taken into account in decisions on infrastructure development. 

NPSs undergo a democratic process of public consultation and parliamentary scrutiny, before being designated (i.e. adopted). They provide the framework within which IPC Commissioners make their decisions (or recommendations to the Secretary of State).

Which sectors do National Policy Statements cover?

There are 12 National Policy Statements, detailing Government policy on different types of infrastructure development, including:

Energy NPSs
  • Overarching energy
  • Renewable energy
  • Fossil Fuels
  • Oil and Gas Supply and Storage,
  • Electricity Networks
  • Nuclear Power.

These are produced by the Department for Energy and Climate Change. Draft NPSs were produced by the previous government subject to public consultation and parliamentary scrutiny. The Coalition Government has announced that it will publish revised drafts for further consultation.

Transport NPSs:
  • Ports
  • Transport Networks (including rail and roads)
  • Aviation.

These are produced by the Department for Transport. The draft Ports NPS was produced by the previous government subject to public consultation and parliamentary scrutiny, but has not yet been designated.

The Transport Networks and Aviation National Policy Statements have not yet been published in draft for consultation.

Water, waste water and waste NPSs:
  • Water Supply
  • Hazardous Waste
  • Waste Water Treatment.

These will be produced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The water, waste water and waste NPSs have not yet been published in draft for consultation.

Does the IPC have a view on the NPSs?

The IPC is impartial and does not comment on Government policy. However, we do make our decisions or recommendations within the framework provided by NPSs. As such, we have commented on their fitness-for-purpose.

We provided written evidence to the House of Commons Energy and Climate Change Committee on the fitness-for-purpose of the draft energy NPSs.
We provided written evidence to the House of Commons Select Committee on Transport on the fitness-for-purpose of the draft NPS on Ports.

What happens if the relevant NPS has not been designated?

If the relevant NPS or NPSs have been formally designated by the Secretary of State, the IPC will make the decision. If they have not, the IPC will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State, who will make the decision within three months of our recommendation.