Introduction and background 1. Purpose of document 1.1. This framework document (the “framework document”) has been agreed between the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (‘Defra’) and Natural England in accordance with HM Treasury’s handbook Managing Public Money (“MPM”) (as updated from time to time) and has been approved by HM Treasury. 1.2. The framework document sets out the broad governance framework within which Natural England and Defra operate. It sets out Natural England’s core responsibilities, describes the governance and accountability framework that applies between the roles of Defra and Natural England and sets out how the day-to-day relationship works in practice, including in relation to governance and financial…