Only two people work on noise at DEFRA, the Government department with overall responsibility for noise policy. And neither of them is full-time. In answer to a Freedom of Information request by the UK Noise Association, DEFRA said: ‘The current number of full-time equivalent staff employed by Defra working on noise, light and statutory nuisance policy is 0.7. This is one person working part-time. The current number of full-time equivalent staff employed by Defra working on noise, light and statutory nuisance evidence and technical issues is 0.8. This is one person working part-time’.
UK Noise Association chair John Stewart said. “This is a terrible reflection of the current Government’s attitude towards noise. At a time when millions of ordinary people are suffering from very real noise problems, the Government has decimated its noise team.’
The DEFRA minister responsible for noise, Emma Hardy MP, is a junior minister in the department who also has responsibility for a range of other environmental issues.
For more information John Stewart on 07957385650