Structural Reform Plans are the key tool of the Coalition Government for making departments accountable for the implementation of the reforms set out in the Coalition Agreement. They replace the old, top-down systems of targets and central micromanagement.

The reforms set out in each department’s SRP are designed to turn government on its head, taking power away from Whitehall and putting it into the hands of people and communities. Once these reforms are in place, people themselves will have the power to improve our country and our public services, through the mechanisms of local democratic accountability, competition, choice, and social action.

The reform plans set out in this document are consistent with and form part of the Department's contribution to the Spending Review. All departmental spending is subject to the Spending Review.

• Download Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Draft Structural Reform Plan (16th July 2010)

You are invited to comment on the draft plan. If you wish to do so please visit this site, and click on one of the numbered Departmental priorities in the list on the left hand side of the page. You will be able to make comments at the bottom of the screen that appears.

Full details of the Coalition Programme over the next five years, including priorities for Defra, can be found at www.programmeforgovernment.hmg.gov.uk