What are CAR forms?
A Compliance Assessment Report (CAR) form is used by Environment Agency (EA) officers when assessing compliance with Environmental Permits. The CAR form is used to record the findings of site inspections, audits and monitoring activities, reviews of monitoring and other data/reports.
We use CAR forms to notify operators of all permit condition breaches, their Compliance Classification Scheme (CCS) score and what action we are considering. A CCS score is recorded where non-compliance has been identified. We may also use CAR forms to highlight any other observations made during a site inspection.
Why are we proactively publishing CAR forms online?
Previously, CAR forms were available on request. To improve transparency and reduce the need for information requests, the Environment Agency is now publishing CAR forms online through the Public Register Online.
Publishing CAR forms online:
- Improves public access to compliance information
- Supports transparent and proportionate regulation
- Reduces the administrative burden of handling individual information requests
This initiative is part of our broader programme of regulatory improvements and aligns with the Government’s growth mission.
Regulation is central to the Environment Agency’s role in protecting people and the environment. We are committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and effectiveness in how we regulate.
You can read more about our approach to regulation and transparency in the Chief Regulator’s Report, published in November 2025.
Important note: This is a process change, not a regulatory change
CAR forms have always been public register documents and available upon request. The change is that they are now published proactively online, making them easier to access without the need to contact the Environment Agency.
We are introducing proactive publication gradually, on a sector-by-sector basis, for activities regulated under the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016. This phased approach ensures delivery is accurate, consistent, and fair.
Phased publication of CAR forms
We have already begun publishing CAR forms for some sectors, starting with water-related activities. Other regulated sectors will follow in stages.
Future phases will progressively include additional Environmental Permitting Regulations sectors as systems and processes are put in place, stakeholders will be contacted in advance with clear and relevant information.
This approach ensures those we regulate, and other interested parties, are informed and supported throughout each phase.
When CAR forms will be published?
For each sector:
- CAR forms completed after a set go-live date for that sector will be published online following a 42-day holding period. This allows time for any potential appeals, in line with our regulatory appeals process.
- CAR forms completed before the go-live date will not be published online but remain available on request.
This balanced approach supports transparency while recognising practical delivery considerations
How do I find a Compliance Assessment Report (CAR)?
Published CAR forms are available to download beneath the relevant permit information in the Public Register Online.
To find a CAR:
- Visit the Public Register Online.
- Search for a site using any of the associated permit information – by permit holder name, permit number, local authority, or location.
- Select the relevant permit, and if a Compliance Assessment Report is available, it will appear underneath the permit details for download.
Note: CAR forms are currently only available for permits relating to water discharge, groundwater, waste and installations.