What will Environmental Outcomes Reports mean for socio-economics?

The Government has now published both its response to the 2023 consultation on Environmental Outcomes Reports (EORs) and a Roadmap setting out how the new system will be developed and implemented by the end of 2027 [1], [2], [3].Together, the documents offer clearer direction for the replacement of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) in England, while also highlighting areas where further detail is still needed.

One notable theme emerging from the consultation response is the treatment of people and communities. As highlighted in our recent LinkedIn commentary, “over a quarter of responses questioned how population, social, health and/or wellbeing impacts would be considered” under an outcomes‑based system [4]. The responses to the consultation echoed our own thoughts following the initial EOR announcements. The information on the new EOR approach published by the Government to date has focused primarily on the natural environment, with less clarity on how socio‑economic effects will be assessed.

The Roadmap confirms that EORs are intended to move environmental assessment away from lengthy, technical documentation and towards a clearer focus on whether plans and projects support defined environmental outcomes. The Government notes that the new system should “[shift] from a passive assessment to one focused on supporting the delivery of our environmental objectives”, supported by standardised guidance and data requirements [5].

However, the Roadmap also makes clear that much of the detail, including how outcomes are set, how mitigation is strengthened, and how different topics are integrated, will be developed through further consultation, testing, and pilot projects.

We will continue to monitor how socio‑economic considerations are reflected as outcomes, guidance and data standards evolve, and we will share further insights as the EOR framework takes shape over the next phases of reform.

[1]https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/environmental-outcomes-reports-a-new-approach-to-environmental-assessment/outcome/environmental-outcomes-reports-roadmap-to-reform

[2]https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/environmental-outcomes-reports-a-new-approach-to-environmental-assessment/environmental-outcomes-report-a-new-approach-to-environmental-assessment

[3] https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/environmental-outcomes-reports-a-new-approach-to-environmental-assessment/outcome/environmental-outcomes-reports-a-new-approach-to-environmental-assessment-government-response

[4]https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7441784418223972352-uB2R

[5]https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/environmental-outcomes-reports-a-new-approach-to-environmental-assessment/outcome/environmental-outcomes-reports-roadmap-to-reform