{"id":136462,"date":"2026-03-24T09:06:02","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T09:06:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/?post_type=comparative_guide&#038;p=136462"},"modified":"2026-03-25T11:29:56","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T11:29:56","slug":"united-kingdom-environment","status":"publish","type":"comparative_guide","link":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/chapter\/united-kingdom-environment\/","title":{"rendered":"United Kingdom: Environment"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-136462","comparative_guide","type-comparative_guide","status-publish","hentry","guides-environment","jurisdictions-united-kingdom"],"acf":[],"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Leigh Day<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2026\/03\/LEIGHDAY_TAGLINE_BLACK-3.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"above_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Leigh Day<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2026\/03\/LEIGHDAY_TAGLINE_BLACK-3.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>","below_title":"<span class=\"guide-intro\">This country specific Q&amp;A provides an overview of Environment laws and regulations applicable in United Kingdom<\/span><div class=\"guide-content\"><div class=\"filter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Search questions and answers...\" class=\"filter-container__search-field\">\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<ol class=\"custom-counter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the environmental framework and the key pieces of environmental legislation in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 sets out the process for the designation of Sites of Special Scientific Interest and the protection of species. The Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 provide for the protection of Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas.<\/p>\n<p>The Environmental Protection Act 1990 establishes the frameworks for waste management, pollution, litter, statutory nuisance, nature conservation and contaminated land.<\/p>\n<p>The Water Industry Act 1991 and the Water Resources Act 1991 govern water abstraction, discharge consents, and sewerage services.<\/p>\n<p>The Clean Air Act 1993 controls industrial and domestic smoke, grit, dust, and fume emissions in England, Scotland, and Wales.<\/p>\n<p>The Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999 gives the government wide powers to enact secondary legislation to control industrial pollution across air, water, and land. The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 provide a single structure for industrial and waste installations, requiring operators to use Best Available Techniques to minimise emissions.<\/p>\n<p>The Climate Change Act 2008 requires the UK to set legally binding targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.<\/p>\n<p>The Environment Act 2021 mandates legally binding targets for air quality, biodiversity, water, and waste reduction and requires public authorities to have &#8220;due regard&#8221; to internationally recognised principles when making policy.<\/p>\n<p>The use and development of all land and buildings in England is governed by the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (TCPA). The process of Environmental Impact Assessment in England is nested within the planning system and is governed by the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Who are the primary environmental regulatory authorities in your jurisdiction? To what extent do they enforce environmental requirements?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Most breaches of environmental laws are criminal offences. The Environment Act 1995 established regulatory authorities for England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n<p>The Environment Agency regulates large-scale industries (power generation, chemicals, refineries) to control emissions to air, land, and water via the Environmental Permitting Regime in England.<\/p>\n<p>Natural Resources Wales (the combined environmental regulator in Wales) regulates major industries and waste operations (storage, treatment, disposal) and manages water discharges into surface and groundwater, water abstraction, impoundment, and drought management.<\/p>\n<p>Natural England issues consents and assents for activities on SSSIs, grants licenses for managing protected species and has the power to initiate criminal proceedings for damage to protected sites or unauthorized activity involving protected species.<\/p>\n<p>Local Planning Authorities are generally responsible for the planning regime, the management of contaminated land, the regulation of statutory nuisances and the regulation of less polluting environmental activities.<\/p>\n<p>The Office for Environmental Protection monitors and reports on the government\u2019s progress in achieving environmental goals and monitors the implementation of environmental law and reports to Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly.<\/p>\n<p>The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs manages over 20 environmental permitting regimes, including industrial pollution control, waste management, and radioactive substances control through the EA.<\/p>\n<p>The Marine Management Organisation regulates and plans marine activities in English inshore and offshore waters.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the framework for the environmental permitting regime in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 create the environmental permitting regime to control a wide range of activities that could cause environmental harm. The activities specified include industrial installations, waste sites, discharges to water or other activities with the potential for environmental harm. Operators of these activities must obtain and comply with an environmental permit. For specified \u2018low risk\u2019 activities, it is possible to register an activity as exempt. The Environmental Agency (for England), Natural Resources Wales (for Wales) and, in certain instances, local authorities act as regulators under the EPRs and their role is to ensure compliance with the permit conditions. The EA has recently decided to bring the treatment, storage and use of sewage sludge (i.e. the solid waste left over from the treatment of urban waste waters) into the EPR.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can environmental permits be transferred between entities in your jurisdiction? If so, what is the process for transferring?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Under the EPRs, most environmental permits may be transferred, fully or partially, to a new operator. In most cases, the transferee and the operator (if they can be found) must apply to the regulator. An application is not required for the transfer of a permit that authorises a stand-alone water discharge activity, a stand-alone groundwater activity or a stand-alone flood risk activity, which can be transferred by notification to the regulator by completing and sending the requisite form. Where an application is required, the transferee will need to submit an application for transfer. The regulator will only grant the transfer of a permit if it is satisfied that the transferor will be the legal operator of the facility (i.e. with sufficient control of the activity or facility) and a \u2018competent\u2019 operator, able to operate it in accordance with the environmental permit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What rights of appeal are there against regulators with regards to decisions to grant environmental permits?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The EPRs give an applicant the right to appeal against a decision by the regulator to refuse to grant an environmental permit. The appellant must provide a written notice of appeal along with other mandatory documents, such as a statement of the grounds. The decision regarding the granting of a permit takes effect while the appeal process takes place, it is not suspended.<\/p>\n<p>Most appeals are decided by an Inspector and generally, the Planning Inspectorate is the relevant appellate body; however, in exceptional or controversial cases it may be the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs or Welsh Minister.<\/p>\n<p>The appellant can request how the appeal proceeds, however The Planning Inspectorate ultimately determines the appropriate procedure for the appeal as either by written representations, a hearing or an inquiry. There is no charge involved in lodging an appeal, however, if it is to be heard at a hearing or inquiry costs can be applied for.<\/p>\n<p>The appeal decisions may be challenged on a point of law by way of judicial review. Third parties have no statutory right of appeal, but may challenge a decision through judicial review.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for certain projects required in your jurisdiction? If so, what are the main elements of EIAs (including any considerations in relation to biodiversity or GHG emissions) and to what extent can EIAs be challenged?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In England, EIAs are required for specified projects under the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 (EIA Regulations). An EIA must be done if a development falls within Schedule 1 of the EIA Regulations. These developments are usually over a certain size and include large scale energy and infrastructure projects. An EIA may also be done if a development falls within Schedule 2 of the EIA Regulations. These developments include industrial, agricultural and tourism projects. To determine if a Schedule 2 project needs an EIA, an assessment is made as to whether the development is likely to have significant impacts on the environment. Other projects may require EIAs under separate legislation, such as significant infrastructure projects under the Planning Act 2008. There are also specific parallel regimes including for both certain electricity works and offshore oil and gas developments.<\/p>\n<p>EIAs must assess the development\u2019s direct and indirect significant effects on several factors: population and human health, biodiversity, land, soil, water, air and climate (including downstream greenhouse gas emissions following R (on the application of Finch on behalf of the Weald Action Group) (Appellant) v Surrey County Council and others (Respondents), material assets, cultural heritage and the landscape. The process begins with \u2018screening\u2019 to identify whether an EIA is required; followed by \u2018scoping\u2019 to determine which factors need assessment. Developers can request screening and\/or scoping opinions from the planning authority.<\/p>\n<p>EIA decisions can be challenged through statutory appeals under the EIA Regulations or by judicial review.<\/p>\n<p>The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (LURA) will replace the EIA regime with Environmental Outcomes Reports (EORs). The LURA provides powers to make regulations which specify environmental protection outcomes, including the protection of the natural environment, cultural heritage and the landscape from the effects of human activity. Following consultation in March 2023, the government\u2019s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan commits to publishing a roadmap setting how and when this transition will take place. However, there is not yet any indication that the LURA EOR regime will be brought into force anytime soon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the framework for determining and allocating liability for contamination of soil and groundwater in your jurisdiction, and what are the applicable regulatory regimes?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The UK\u2019s framework is somewhat fragmented. However, there are several key pieces of legislation:<\/p>\n<p>Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (\u201cEPA\u201d) relates to contaminated soil and \u201ccontrolled waters\u201d. Under the EPA a local authority has a duty to monitor contamination \u201cfrom time to time\u201d, and seek an investigation by the Environment Agency (\u201cEA\u201d) where the contamination is, or has the potential to cause, an unacceptable risk to residents or their environment.<\/p>\n<p>The Water Resources Act 1991 sets out provisions for controlling pollution of water resources. Enforcement action can be taken against a person who caused or knowingly permitted a pollutant entity to be present in the controlled waters. A works notice to remedy pollutant action can be served under the legislation and it is an offence to fail to comply with the notice. The notice is served by the \u2018appropriate agency\u2019, which would be the EA or Natural Resources Wales (NRW) in England and Wales.<\/p>\n<p>The Environmental Damage (Prevention and Remediation) Regulation 2009 (\u201cEDR\u201d) supplements other environmental legislation and relates to both soil and groundwater. The EDR only applies to contamination threatened or initiated post 1 March 2009. Criminal liability is triggered when an operator fails to comply with a requirement or notice issued by the enforcing authority. A notice requires the polluter to bear the costs of preventing and remediating soil contamination.<\/p>\n<p>The SI 2016\/1154 Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 (SI 2016\/1154) give the relevant authority power to permit certain activities, monitor compliance and take enforcement action when permits are breached. The \u2018relevant authority\u2019 is primarily the EA in England, and NRW in Wales. Local authorities also play a role in regulating the less polluting facilities.<\/p>\n<p>Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and The Building Regulations 2010: Planning and building laws are a key mechanism for preventing land contamination. When developing land for its intended use, developers are required to assess and, if necessary, remediate land to remove unacceptable risks to human health and the environment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Under what circumstances is there a positive obligation to investigate land for potential soil and groundwater contamination? Is there a positive obligation to provide any investigative reports to regulatory authorities?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Part IIA of the EPA imposes a positive obligation on the local authority to investigate land, within its boundaries, for potential soil and groundwater contamination from \u201ctime to time\u201d. Where a local authority has concerns regarding potential contamination it has a statutory duty to request that the EA undertakes an investigation. Post investigation, the EA may then make a recommendation that the local authority serves a Remediation Notice: However, it is for the local authority to make a final determination regarding whether: (a) the land should be formally designated as contaminated; and (b) if it is designated, whom the \u201cappropriate person\u201d is for the purposes of enforcing remediation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">If land is found to be contaminated, or pollutants are discovered to be migrating to neighbouring land, is there a duty to report this contamination to relevant authorities?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Part IIA of the EPA 1990 contains provisions dealing with the escape of contaminant substances to other land. However, there is no positive statutory obligation on landowner A or, their neighbour, landowner B, to report migrating contamination within the scope of the EPA. Instead, the Act imposes an effective duty of vigilance upon the local authority to monitor, detect and request EA investigation as it deems appropriate.<\/p>\n<p>When detected, the person who \u2018caused or knowingly permitted\u2019 the substances to be in, on or under the original land can also be liable, under the EPA, for the substances that have escaped or migrated onto other land. Under the statue, liability falls primarily on those who \u2018cause or knowingly permit\u2019 contamination but may also fall on the current owner or occupier of the land.<\/p>\n<p>Knowledge of the harmful nature of the substance is not required. The \u2018power to control or prevent\u2019 is an important element of the test. It will also be asked what the \u2018appropriate person\u2019 could have done at the relevant time. The length of control over the land is a relevant factor when deciding and apportioning liability. For example, a developer with control over land for many years will likely be judged more harshly than a purchaser who has just come into control of the land.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, any manufacturer producing or using potentially hazardous chemicals is required to seek a permit from the EA. The EA will then set a limit, specific to that facility, on the level of any chemical, including PFAS by-products, which can be emitted by the facility. These limits are documented in the facility\u2019s Environmental Permit. If the manufacturer breaches the limits set out in the permit, they have a positive duty to report this to the EA<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Does the owner of land that is affected by historical contamination have a private right of action against a previous owner of the land when that previous owner caused the contamination?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes: There are various rights of action in common law, as set out below. All rights of action are subject to a six year limitation period. This may be extended in circumstances where the nuisance is continuing.<\/p>\n<p>Private rights of action include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Claims in \u201cprivate nuisance\u201d where an individual has a proprietary interest in the land.<\/li>\n<li>Claims in \u201cpublic nuisance\u201d can be brought where an individual has suffered damage above and beyond the general inconvenience and injury suffered by the public, even where an individual has no proprietary right.<\/li>\n<li>Claims in Rylands v Fletcher can be brought when something dangerous is brought onto land and there is an escape causing damage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>With regard to all of the above, where a landowner is aware of a nuisance but then disposes of their interest in the land, they may still be liable for their past actions. Additionally, even if the landowner did not create the nuisance but is aware or should have been aware of it, and takes no steps to abate the nuisance, they may also be liable as a tortfeasor in the law of nuisance<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the key laws and controls governing the regulatory regime for waste in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The retained EU Waste Framework Directive 2008 (2008\/98\/EC) (\u201cWFD\u201d) forms the basis for UK waste law. Among other things, the WFD defines waste (as opposed to a substance being treated as a by-product), requires waste disposal and recovery to be permitted and establishes a hazardous waste regime. The directive also sets out a hierarchy of how waste should be managed: prevent, reuse, recycle, recover, dispose. The hierarchy should be applied as a priority order in all waste prevention and management legislation.<\/p>\n<p>The WFD is implemented in England and Wales across various pieces of legislation, including (but not limited to) The Environmental Protection Act 1990 (\u201cEPA 1990\u201d), The Waste Regulations 2011 (\u201cWR 2011\u201d), The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 (\u201cEPR 2016\u201d), The Environment Act 2021 (EA 2021\u201d), and various policies and strategies.<\/p>\n<p>The EPA 1990 establishes a duty of care for persons who produce or handle waste to (among other things): prevent unauthorised or harmful deposit, treatment or disposal of waste; prevent the escape of waste; prevent a breach of an environmental permit by another person; and ensure that waste is transferred to an authorised person. This duty extends throughout the complete journey of the waste to its disposal or recovery. The EPA regime is supported by The Waste Duty of Care Code of Practice, which provides guidance on compliance with this duty. The EPA regime also establishes a range of waste offences.<\/p>\n<p>The WR 2011 requires the government to prepare waste management plans and requires any organisations involved in waste to take reasonable steps to apply the waste hierarchy when they transfer waste and require a licence for certain waste activities. An organisation can decide not to apply the waste hierarchy to achieve the best overall environmental outcome in certain circumstances.<\/p>\n<p>The EPR 2016 govern the permit regime for waste operations and require those carrying out such operations to obtain a permit or register an exemption.<\/p>\n<p>The EA 2021 requires the government to introduce and implement legally binding long term targets for waste.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Do producers of waste retain any liabilities in respect of the waste after having transferred it to another person for treatment or disposal off-site (e.g. if the other person goes bankrupt or does not properly handle or dispose of the waste)?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Under section 34 EPA 1990, producers have a duty to take all reasonable steps to ensure that any person to which they transfer waste is authorised to handle it, and to provide an accurate description of such waste. The code of practice recommends that the transferor should examine evidence of the transferee\u2019s authorisation (such as the environmental permit or exemption), check that the transferor is listed in the environment agency\u2019s public register, and ask where the intended destination of the waste is. More detailed checks should be carried out if the transferor suspects that the waste is not being handled in line with the duty. Domestic households are only required to ensure that waste is transferred to an authorised person.<\/p>\n<p>Any person who fails to comply with the duty of care shall be liable for a fine on conviction.<\/p>\n<p>Under the principle of &#8220;polluter pays&#8221;, now embedded in the EA 2021, the financial burden of managing waste from their products is increasingly being placed on waste producers under extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes. EPRs are waste prevention schemes that are designed to tackle excessive waste and the lack of infrastructure for recycling and collection, particularly of potentially harmful waste.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">To what extent do producers of certain products (e.g. packaging\/electronic devices) have obligations regarding the take-back of waste?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Packaging: Under the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations 2024, packaging producers will be subject to an amended packaging EPR scheme from October 2025. The scheme which seeks to shift financial burden of managing packaging waste from taxpayers and local authorities to producers by incentivising producers to use less packaging or packaging that is more easily recycled.<\/p>\n<p>Under the regulations large producers of packaging (which includes among other things brand owners, manufacturers, importers and sellers) are required to recycle or recover a proportion of packaging waste. Producers may comply through a registered scheme which meets their obligations on their behalf. Producers are required to register with the appropriate regulator, and provide records showing that they have met these obligations.<\/p>\n<p>Electronic devices: Producers of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) must finance the costs of the collection, treatment, recovery and disposal of waste EEE (WEEE) from private households. Such producers are also required to ensure that WEEE can be returned by private households, or pay to join a distributor take-back scheme. In 2025, the government introduced amended regulations which require large online marketplaces to register as producers and which introduced a new category of electrical equipment for vapes to ensure that the costs of collecting and treating vapes falls on their producers.<\/p>\n<p>Agricultural waste: In NFU v Herefordshire Council and others [2025] EWHC 536 (Admin) the Court found manure slurry and effluent are capable of being legally classified as waste in circumstances where the manure contributes to environmental pollution. It is therefore open to local authorities to demand waste management plans for agricultural developments.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the duties of owners\/occupiers of premises in relation to asbestos, or other deleterious materials, found on their land and in their buildings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is a core statutory duty to manage the risks from asbestos imposed by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. This duty applies to non-domestic premises and common parts of domestic premises, and is imposed on those with responsibility to maintain repair, or otherwise have control of the premises.<\/p>\n<p>In the context of social housing, the Hazards in Social Housing (Prescribed Requirements) (England) Regulations 2025 require lessors to take steps to investigate and where appropriate, remove the hazard. The nature and extent of these obligations depend on the severity of the hazard.<\/p>\n<p>Certain leases are subject to a general duty to ensure that dwellings are fit for human habitation when the lease is created or at commencement and will remain fit for human habitation throughout its term.<\/p>\n<p>We cover the framework in relation to other deleterious materials which have contaminated land in question 7.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Please outline any regulatory initiatives in your jurisdiction regarding the restriction, prohibition, requirement to monitor or similar as regards PFAS.<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The UK currently lags significantly behind other jurisdictions in relation to PFAS regulation. Notably, at present, there is no strict regulatory limit on the amount of PFAS that can be emitted by manufacturers in the UK.<\/p>\n<p>In contrast with other jurisdictions, the UK currently has set no formal standards as to the amount of PFAS that may be detected in soil, before remediation is necessitated. The best approximation for soil currently, are C4SLs (Category 4 Screening Levels) which are calibrated with reference to the purpose of the land upon which PFAS is detected, e.g., for allotment use, residential use or commercial use.<\/p>\n<p>In relation to drinking water in the UK, only \u201cguideline values\u201d exist. The potability of drinking water falls under the remit of the Drinking Water Authority (DWI). Water companies must monitor these levels and inform the DWI if PFAS levels exceed 0.1 ug\/l, however, currently this is largely a self-monitoring system.<\/p>\n<p>However, change may be coming: In February 2026, the UK Government launched its \u2018PFAS Plan\u2019 (the \u2018Plan\u2019) setting out a roadmap for intended regulatory action which includes a list of \u201cindicative actions\u201d and a time line of intended implementation. The Plan lists the following: .1<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Early 2026 &#8211; Undertake research on areas of emerging concern relating to PFAS contamination.<\/li>\n<li>2026 &#8211; Carry out PFAS tests on food packaging to trace the presence of PFAS and support future regulatory action.<\/li>\n<li>2026\/2027 \u2013 In conjunction with businesses and other stakeholders, explore how safer alternatives to products containing PFAS chemicals can be developed without the use of PFAS in manufacturing.<\/li>\n<li>2026\/2027 &#8211; Reduce emissions from industrial sites through new guidance for regulators and site operators.<\/li>\n<li>2027 &#8211; In relation to firefighting foams, consult on adding further substances to the UK REACH list.<\/li>\n<li>2027 &#8211; Develop new guidance for regulators and industries to address legacy PFAS contamination.<\/li>\n<li>December 2028 &#8211; Align the UK REACH regulations with our closest trading partners, particularly the EU.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The Government and Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) are also consulting on the strategy for future regulation of PFAS in the UK although at the date of this publication, no firm commitments have been made.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">To what extent are product regulations (e.g. REACH, CLP, TSCA and equivalent regimes) applicable in your jurisdiction? Provide a short, high-level summary of the relevant provisions.<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Post Brexit, \u201cUK REACH\u201d is operated by the UK Health and Safety Executive (\u201cHSE\u201d) which requires manufacturers and importers to register chemicals that are used in their manufacturing processes and products. There is a prerequisite limit of 1 tonne per year per manufacturer for a substance to be registered. The manufacturer must identify and manage the risks presented by these chemicals. If the risks associated with a chemical cannot be managed, the authorities can restrict its use: they can limit, ban, or set conditions on the manufacture of a chemical. Restrictions have been put in place for the following PFAS under REACH:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>PFOA and its salts (Number 68 on the list)<\/li>\n<li>Perfluorinated Silane (Number 73 on the list)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>PFAS usage is also restricted under the Persistent Organic Pollutant (POPs) Regulations, which were implemented in the UK by Regulation (EU) 2019\/1021. The POPs regulations restrict the use of organic chemical substances that remain intact for exceptionally long periods of time and become widely distributed throughout the environment. There are certain exceptions in place that allow certain use cases to continue. The relevant PFAS are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>PFOS and its derivatives<\/li>\n<li>PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related compounds<\/li>\n<li>PFHxS, its salts and PFHxS-related compounds<\/li>\n<li>PFAS are also subject to regulation under the Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP) regime. The EU CLP has been retained in UK law as GB CLP.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Substances and mixtures placed on the market in GB must be classified and labelled in line with the CLP Regulation. There are two types of classification \u2013 mandatory classification (which is legally binding) and self-classification (which is where the supplier gathers and evaluates data prior to classification). The following PFAS are regulated under the CLP rules:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>PFOA<\/li>\n<li>APFO<\/li>\n<li>PFNA and its sodium and ammonium salts<\/li>\n<li>PFDA and its sodium and ammonium salts<\/li>\n<li>PFHpA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What provisions are there concerning energy efficiency (e.g. energy efficiency auditing requirements) in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>England and Wales operate a comprehensive statutory framework addressing energy efficiency across buildings, industry, and large undertakings.<\/p>\n<p>Buildings. The Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012 require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) on construction, sale, or letting of buildings. For the private rented sector, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) prohibit letting properties below a minimum EPC rating, subject to limited exemptions. In addition, the Building Regulations 2010, particularly Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power), set minimum energy\u2011performance requirements for new buildings and major renovations.<\/p>\n<p>Large undertakings. The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) requires \u201clarge undertakings\u201d\u2014broadly organisations with 250+ employees or meeting financial thresholds\u2014to conduct energy audits every four years. ESOS applies to a wide range of legal forms, not only companies.<\/p>\n<p>Corporate reporting. Large UK companies and LLPs incorporated under the Companies Act 2006 must report their annual UK energy use and associated greenhouse gas emissions under the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) regime.<\/p>\n<p>Market mechanisms. The UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) provides a cap\u2011and\u2011trade system for energy\u2011intensive industries and the power sector, creating an overarching incentive structure for emissions and energy\u2011efficiency improvements.<\/p>\n<p>Together, these measures form an integrated regulatory architecture promoting energy efficiency in the built environment, corporate sector, and energy\u2011intensive industries.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the key policies, principles, targets, and laws relating to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (e.g. emissions trading schemes) and the increase of the use of renewable energy (such as wind power) in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The UK was the first country to introduce a legally binding emissions reduction target through the passing of the Climate Change Act in 2008. The CCA operates alongside the Environment Act 2021 which incorporates, among ther principles, the precautionary principe into UK ministerial decisions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Does your jurisdiction have an overarching \u201cnet zero\u201d or low-carbon target and, if so, what legal measures have been implemented in order to achieve this target.<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The CCA initially committed the UK to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, compared to 1990 levels. It was revised in 2019 to commit to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, with an aim to double investment in clean energy industries by 2035.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">To what extent does your jurisdiction regulate the ability for products or companies to be referred to as \u201cgreen\u201d, \u201csustainable\u201d or similar terms? Who are the regulators in relation to greenwashing allegations?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In the UK, environmental claims such as \u201cgreen\u201d or \u201csustainable\u201d are tightly regulated by agencies such as the Advertising Standards Authority, and the Competition and Markets Authority (the \u201cCMA\u201d). The CMA requires environmental claims about products and services to be substantiated, clear, and not misleading, with liability extending across the entire supply chain. Under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, the CMA can impose fines and remedies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any specific arrangements in relation to anti-trust matters and climate change issues?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In 2023, the CMA released \u201cGreen Agreements Guidance\u201d that addresses the intersection of antitrust law and climate change. It sets out when \u201cenvironmental sustainability agreements\u201d between competitors are permitted. Where an agreement\u2019s benefits outweigh the harm to competition (such that an exemption may apply), the CMA takes a more permissive approach to agreements which combat or mitigate climate change. The CMA also has an open-door policy allowing parties to confirm if proposed agreements comply with competition law.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any notable court judgments in relation to climate change litigation over the past three years?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>A recent notable case in the climate change litigation is <em>R (Finch) v Surrey County Council<\/em> [2024] UKSC 20, where the Supreme Court held that environmental impact assessments (in planning decisions) must con-sider \u201cdownstream\u201d greenhouse gas emissions, including those from burning extracted oil.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In light of the commitments of your jurisdiction that have been made (whether at international treaty meetings or more generally), do you expect there to be substantial legislative change or reform in the relation to climate change in the near future?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In light of the UK\u2019s net-zero commitments and robust regulatory framework in environmental issues, further legislative and regulatory reform is expected. Such reforms may include corporate climate-related disclosure through the UK Sustainability Reporting Standards, and Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate, which aims to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine cars and vans by 2030.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">To what extent can the following persons be held liable for breaches of environmental law and\/or pollution caused by a company: (a) the company itself; (b) the shareholders of the company; (c) the directors of the company; (d) a parent company; (e) entities (e.g. banks) that have lent money to the company; and (f) any other entities?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>A company is directly liable for its environmental breaches. Shareholders are generally protected by limited liability. Directors may be personally liable where offences occur with their consent, connivance, or negligence, as recognised under the Environmental Permitting Regulations and illustrated by director prosecutions and disqualifications. Parent companies can owe a duty of care where they control or hold themselves out as responsible for a subsidiary\u2019s harmful operations, per the Supreme Court decisions in Vedanta and Okpabi. Lenders are rarely liable on the basis of finance alone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">To what extent can: (a) a buyer assume any pre-acquisition environmental liabilities in an asset sale\/share sale; and (b) a seller retain any environmental liabilities after an asset sale\/share sale in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>For share sales, buyers generally assume historic environmental liabilities. Sellers are typically released, except for liability for actions taken in their role as directors. In asset sales, liabilities normally remain with the seller unless legislation transfers it or the buyer has indemnified the seller. Both parties may still face contaminated land liability.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What duties to disclose environmental information does a seller have in a transaction? Is environmental due diligence commonplace in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>England and Wales has no general duty for sellers to disclose environmental information, though they must avoid misrepresentation and disclose statutory notices. Environmental due diligence is routine, with desktop reports being commonplace. If there is a higher risk of environmental liabilities, Phase I or II assessments are conducted.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What environmental risks can be covered by insurance in your jurisdiction, and what types of environmental insurance policy are commonly available? Is environmental insurance regularly obtained in practice?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Environmental insurance in England and Wales covers liabilities for pollution and environmental damage that is typically excluded from standard public liability or property policies. It can insure cleanup costs, pollution events, regulatory actions, waste liabilities, and asbestos risks. Standard insurance often only covers \u2018sudden and unforeseen\u2019 events, making them incompatible with many instances of environmental damage. Common types of insurance cover property transfer policies (covering the cost of remediating historical contamination), operational risks policies (insuring pollution incidents arising after inception), and contractors&#8217; pollution liability (protecting against losses caused by development works). Environmental insurance is increasingly common, especially in higher risk sectors.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">To what extent are there public registers of environmental information kept by public authorities in your jurisdiction? If so, what is the process by which parties can access this information?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (\u201cEIR 2004\u201d), public authorities are required to make environmental information, subject to certain exceptions, available and easily accessible. Public environmental registers include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Registers maintained by enforcing authorities under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, including information such as remediation notices, and the designation of land as a special site.<\/li>\n<li>Registers recording applications for environmental permits and related notices, maintained by enforcing authorities required by the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.<\/li>\n<li>Registers including the main reasons and considerations on which decisions for planning permissions or subsequent consent is based required by the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The information can either be obtained directly through the maintained registers or by contacting the relevant public authorities. This is covered in further detail below.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">To what extent is there a requirement on public bodies in your jurisdiction to disclose environmental information to parties that request it?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Where information cannot be obtained from a public register, it may be obtained by making a direct request to the relevant public authority. Any request for Environmental Information will be considered under the EIR 2004, rather than the Freedom of Information Act 2000.<\/p>\n<p>The EIR 2004 imposes a duty on public authorities to make available environmental information on request. Environmental information includes information on the state of the environment, factors likely to affect the state of the environment, and measures affecting those states and factors.<\/p>\n<p>Public authorities are required to respond within 20 working days, or up to 40 working days if an extension is made due to the complexity or volume of information request. The public authority may charge when providing information in response to a request.<\/p>\n<p>There are exceptions to this duty, however these are subject to a public interest test, requiring disclosure unless the public interest in maintaining the exception outweighs the public interest in disclosure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any significant updates in environmental law in your jurisdiction in the past three years? Are there any material proposals for significant updates or reforms in the near future?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Various updates to the law have been proposed, including the UK Government\u2019s \u2018Environmental Improvement Plan\u2019 in 2025. In February 2026, the Government unveiled its PFAS Plan, setting out the regulatory steps that will be taken to reduce PFAS contamination. We expect these recommendations to materialise in the next 3 years.<\/p>\n<p>Recent UK environmental developments include the 2024 introduction of mandatory 10% Biodiversity Net Gain and the full operation of the Office for Environmental Protection. The 2025 Bathing Water Regulations strengthened designation rules, while Finch (2024) required EIAs to assess downstream emissions. Major water reforms include the 2025 Water (Special Measures) Act and preparations for ratifying the BBNJ Agreement. Forthcoming reforms include the Rights of Nature Bill, Environmental Rights Bill, further Aarhus access\u2011to\u2011justice changes, the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, the Climate and Nature Bill, tighter Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, and creation of a single water regulator.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n<div class=\"word-count-hidden\" style=\"display:none;\">Estimated word count: <span class=\"word-count\">6004<\/span><\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/ol>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/twentyseventeen\/src\/jquery\/components\/filter-guides.js\" async><\/script><\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide\/136462","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/comparative_guide"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=136462"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}