Senedd to debate Natural Resources Wales performance
The Senedd will debate the performance of Natural Resources Wales (NRW) on Monday 6 October, following the publication of the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee’s annual scrutiny report for 2024-25.
The Committee, which examines NRW’s performance each year, made 11 recommendations in its latest report published in May. Both NRW and the Welsh Government have since responded.
NRW has introduced a ‘Case for Change’ programme aimed at revising its delivery model and saving £12 million. As part of this, the organisation has stopped running cafés and shops at its visitor centres. The Committee called for a plan to reopen the centres, and NRW has outlined steps to identify alternative operators.
Committee members also raised concerns about reduced budgets for flooding and environmental pollution work. NRW said it has prioritised flood management in areas at highest risk and is taking a “proportionate, risk-based” approach to pollution response.
NRW has long called for a multi-year funding arrangement to provide greater financial stability. The Committee supported this view, and the Welsh Government agreed in principle, but noted that election cycles and UK fiscal events limit its ability to commit to long-term settlements.
In October 2024, the Welsh Government loaned £19 million to NRW to cover unpaid tax liabilities identified during an HMRC investigation into off-payroll working compliance. NRW and the Welsh Government have since outlined how the loan will be repaid and what lessons have been learned from the issue.
The debate comes during a period of leadership transition at NRW. Current Chair Sir David Henshaw’s term ends this month, with incoming Chair Neil Sachdev taking up his post on 1 November. The Committee held a pre-appointment hearing with Mr Sachdev in June.
NRW’s former Chief Executive, Claire Pillman, retired in March 2025. The Committee urged that a permanent replacement be appointed within six months of its May report. Recruitment is under way, with applications closing on 31 October 2025.
The Senedd debate will consider NRW’s financial management, operational priorities, and leadership challenges as Wales’ environmental regulator adapts to budget pressures and organisational change.
The debate takes place on Monday 6 October.
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