Written questions by Martin.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to improve biodiversity in coastal areas impacted by algae overgrowth.

In the most ambitious target on water pollution in history, we will halve sewage pollution by 2030. We are restoring our waterways to good health so communities can once again take pride in their rivers, lakes and seas. We are abolishing Ofwat and establishing a new, single, powerful regulator. We are ending the era of water companies marking their own homework by ending operator self-monitoring. And we are ensuring greater local involvement in planning decisions around water.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to set material-specific collection targets for local authorities under the Simpler Recycling reforms.

This Government is committed to reducing waste by transitioning to a circular economy. To support the Government in achieving this goal, a Circular Economy Taskforce of experts has been established from across government, industry, academia, and civil society to help us develop a Circular Economy Strategy for England. The taskforce will consider the evidence for sector-specific interventions from right across the economy and will be exploring a wide range of levers to drive circularity, including targets.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he has taken to help protect communities that are vulnerable to flooding.

As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, a record £2.65 billion will be invested over two years in building, maintaining and repairing flood defences, better protecting 52,000 properties by March 2026. Around 1,000 projects will receive funding in 24/25 and 25/26. An additional £50 million has been allocated to internal drainage boards for flood resilience in rural areas, while £60 million has been distributed to farmers affected by severe weather. From the investment programme, £108 million is being redirected for the maintenance and repair of flood assets, including £36 million for repairs following recent storms. The Government inherited an outdated funding formula for allocating money to proposed flood defences. The existing formula slows down the delivery of new flood schemes through a complex application process, and also neglects more innovative approaches to flood management such as nature-based approaches and sustainable drainage A consultation will be launched in the coming months which will include a review of the existing formula to ensure that the challenges facing businesses and communities are adequately taken into account when delivering flood protection. Additionally, in September 2024, the Government established the Floods Resilience Taskforce to improve preparedness and coordination across national, regional, and local levels.