Written questions by Snowden.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to support farmers in (a) Fylde constituency and (b) Lancashire impacted by avian flu.

There have been no confirmed cases of HPAI H5N1 in Fylde or Lancashire since the start of the outbreak. Following the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry and other captive birds in the UK, Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) together with the Devolved Governments and their delivery agencies have stood up their well-established outbreak structures to control and eradicate disease, restore normal trade, and assist local communities’ recovery. Defra’s disease control measures seek to contain the number of animals that need to be culled, either for disease control purposes or to safeguard animal welfare. Our approach aims to reduce adverse impacts on the rural and wider economy, the public, rural communities and the environment (including impact on wildlife), whilst protecting public health and minimising the overall cost of any outbreak. In response to the unprecedented outbreaks of avian influenza in October 2022 Defra’s approach to compensation was updated to involve earlier assessment of the number of healthy birds and swifter calculation of compensation. This allows Defra to provide earlier certainty about entitlement to compensation; better reflects the impact of outbreaks on premises; and leads to swifter payments to help stem any cash flow pressures for producers directly affected.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to reintroduce housing measures should avian influenza risk levels increase.

During periods of increased risk of avian influenza Avian Influenza Prevention Zones (AIPZ) mandating enhanced biosecurity, with or without mandatory housing, are utilised to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of disease occurring. The risk of avian influenza remains heightened and AIPZs remain in force across Great Britain. However, following a reduction in risk levels the mandatory AIPZ housing measures which have been in force across the highest risk areas of England were lifted from 00:01 on 22 May 2025. However, mandatory housing of all poultry and other captive birds is still a legal requirement within any Protection Zone or Captive Bird Monitoring Controlled Zone in force surrounding an infected premises where avian influenza has been confirmed in poultry or other captive birds. The need for an AIPZ is kept under regular review as part of the government’s work to monitor and manage the risks of avian influenza, and measures are introduced in a phased and escalating manner proportionate to risk in an area. Any decisions on when to introduce or amend AIPZs including the addition or removal of mandatory housing measures either on a regional or national basis are based on risk assessments, which are published on gov.uk and contain the latest scientific and ornithological evidence and veterinary advice. Housing measures are intended to reduce the risk that poultry and other captive birds will come into contact either directly or indirectly with wild birds which may be infected with avian influenza. When utilised, the enhanced biosecurity measures including housing mandated by an AIPZ have been vital in protecting flocks across the country from avian influenza.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to his Department's news story entitled Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England, updated on 22 May 2025, what criteria were used to determine the lifting of mandatory housing measures for (a) poultry and (b) captive birds.

During periods of increased risk of avian influenza Avian Influenza Prevention Zones (AIPZ) mandating enhanced biosecurity, with or without mandatory housing, are utilised to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of disease occurring. The risk of avian influenza remains heightened and AIPZs remain in force across Great Britain. However, following a reduction in risk levels the mandatory AIPZ housing measures which have been in force across the highest risk areas of England were lifted from 00:01 on 22 May 2025. However, mandatory housing of all poultry and other captive birds is still a legal requirement within any Protection Zone or Captive Bird Monitoring Controlled Zone in force surrounding an infected premises where avian influenza has been confirmed in poultry or other captive birds. The need for an AIPZ is kept under regular review as part of the government’s work to monitor and manage the risks of avian influenza, and measures are introduced in a phased and escalating manner proportionate to risk in an area. Any decisions on when to introduce or amend AIPZs including the addition or removal of mandatory housing measures either on a regional or national basis are based on risk assessments, which are published on gov.uk and contain the latest scientific and ornithological evidence and veterinary advice. Housing measures are intended to reduce the risk that poultry and other captive birds will come into contact either directly or indirectly with wild birds which may be infected with avian influenza. When utilised, the enhanced biosecurity measures including housing mandated by an AIPZ have been vital in protecting flocks across the country from avian influenza.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of surveillance measures in (a) detecting and (b) controlling outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) leads Government action on animal disease control and carries out routine surveillance of disease risks in the UK and globally, to help the Government anticipate future threats to animal health. Defra continue to closely monitor the global avian influenza situation as part of this work and any changes to our approach to prevention and control of avian influenza will be based on the latest available veterinary advice and scientific evidence. All bird keepers should continue to observe the high standards of biosecurity that can help prevent the incursion and spread of disease. Current policy reflects our experience of responding to past outbreaks of exotic animal disease and is in line with international standards of best practice for disease control. Our approach to surveillance and control is assessed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as part of our application for HPAI disease freedom, which remains Defra’s objective to achieve at the earliest opportunity. Defra’s approach to avian influenza disease control are proportionate and in line with EU (in relation to trade requirements) and national law. Our aim is to limit the spread and the economic impact of this disease on the industry.

Food and Rural Affairs, how many confirmed cases of HPAI H5N1 have been reported in (a) Fylde, (b) Lancashire and (c) England since the start of the outbreak in November 2024.

As of 18 May 2025, there have been 57 cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in England since the start of the outbreak in November. There have been no confirmed cases of HPAI H5N1 in Fylde or Lancashire since the start of the outbreak

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential economic impact of avian influenza on poultry producers in (a) Fylde and (b) Lancashire since 2022.

There have been no confirmed cases of HPAI H5N1 in Fylde or Lancashire since the start of the outbreak. Following the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry and other captive birds in the UK, Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) together with the Devolved Governments and their delivery agencies have stood up their well-established outbreak structures to control and eradicate disease, restore normal trade, and assist local communities’ recovery. Defra’s disease control measures seek to contain the number of animals that need to be culled, either for disease control purposes or to safeguard animal welfare. Our approach aims to reduce adverse impacts on the rural and wider economy, the public, rural communities and the environment (including impact on wildlife), whilst protecting public health and minimising the overall cost of any outbreak. In response to the unprecedented outbreaks of avian influenza in October 2022 Defra’s approach to compensation was updated to involve earlier assessment of the number of healthy birds and swifter calculation of compensation. This allows Defra to provide earlier certainty about entitlement to compensation; better reflects the impact of outbreaks on premises; and leads to swifter payments to help stem any cash flow pressures for producers directly affected.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to engage with local communities impacted by drought.

The Environment Agency (EA) has been working to ensure that United Utilities follows its drought plan, as agreed by Defra Secretary of State, including its communications with the public / customers and ensuring the company engaged with local partners via Local Resilience Forums. The EA has contacted all the MPs in Cumbria and Lancashire on two occasions. The first on 13 May 2025 gave an initial update about the prolonged dry weather and MPs were advised on the actions the EA were taking. The EA updated MPs on 30 May 2025 to advise that the northwest was now in drought status. The EA has put out regular messages on social media to provide updates of the current drought situation. The EA has also carried out media interviews and provided statements to the press for any questions they had. Last week the EA issued a press release which was uploaded to gov.uk about the current dry weather / drought situation. The EA has been in regular liaison with the NFU, Canal & Rivers Trust and Fishery owners to gather intelligence on impacts, provide advice and guidance and confirm approach to regulation of licensed abstractions.

Food and Rural Affairs, what support his Department is providing to farmers and agricultural businesses in (a) Fylde, (b) Lancashire and (c) the North West impacted by the drought conditions.

The Environment Agency (EA) in the North West is meeting regularly with the National Farmers Union, in relation to the water situation (most recently last week). The EA released an updated Area Irrigation Prospect Report to inform the agriculture community of the current water resources situation to help farmers plan their water needs for the summer. The prospects for water resources irrigation availability in Cumbria and Lancashire are currently moderate, meaning controls on abstractions are possible. Abstractors must operate in accordance with licence conditions issued, an important mechanism to protect water rights. There are currently no concerns regarding irrigation from groundwater. Defra recognises the need to support water resources resilience of the agricultural sector. Government have funded Water Resources West to help create Water Abstractor Groups (WAG), which work collaboratively to find water resources solutions. The government are funding Local Resource Option screening studies, with the latest funding launched on 4 June, supporting farmers to collaborate on water resources resilience. Studies will assess shared options such as multi-farm reservoirs, water trading, or rainwater harvesting for the farmer groups, enabling future delivery.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of drought on the economy of the North West; and what steps he is taking to help mitigate that impact.

We are taking action to mitigate the impacts by:Working closely with the water companies to ensure that they implement their statutory drought plans. We expect water companies to be undertaking extra leakage activity and enhanced communications with their customers to use less water.We have convened the National Drought Group which includes senior decision-makers from across Government and principal drought stakeholders. It provides a cross-sector strategic steer on drought management in EnglandPublishing irrigation forecasts for the agricultural sector and providing advice to farmers and growers so they can assess and plan their water needs this summer.Working with fishery owners to ensure plans are in place to manage dry weather.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 13 March 2025 to Question 38171 on Farmers: Lancashire, what steps his Department has taken to ensure support from the Farming Recovery Fund reaches the most vulnerable farmers (a) quickly and (b) effectively.

Environment Agency and Met Office data was used to identify which farm businesses will receive the Farming Recovery Fund recovery payment. This data on river flooding and exceptional rainfall allows us to determine affected land and make payments directly to eligible farms. By focusing on those with the most significant impacts, this approach ensures the payment contributes to uninsured costs resulting from the extreme wet weather.There was no need for farmers to submit an application or claim form. This straightforward process meant payments could be made quickly—usually within 28 days of receiving a letter or email from the RPA — without further evidence or confirmation of eligibility.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 6 May 2025 to Question 50256 on Farms: Lancashire, what (a) criteria and (b) priorities his Department will use to guide the reopening of the Capital Grants in summer 2025.

The improved Environmental Land Management standalone Capital Grants scheme will introduce maximum thresholds to ensure funding goes further. This will provide better value for money and ensure funding goes on the right environmental projects. The limits will be:£25,000 for items in the water quality, air quality, and natural flood management groups£35,000 for the group including boundary, tree and orchard items The priorities of the Capital Grants scheme will be to focus on projects that help the environment, for example, planting hedges or improving natural flood management.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to publish annual updates of regional waste crime heatmaps produced by the Environment Agency.

The Environment Agency have had a positive response to their recent article that included regional waste crime heatmaps and have committed to publishing future updates.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the policy paper entitled Plan for Change, published on 5 December 2024, what steps his Department plans to take to evaluate the effectiveness of measures to deter waste crime.

The Resources and Waste Policy Programme Evaluation is running to 2027 and is designed to help Defra understand what has and has not been successful about the design and delivery of objectives and commitments within the policy programme, including waste crime. Link to Impact Evaluation Baseline Report.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 6 May 2025 to Question 50256 on Farms: Lancashire, whether his Department plans to consult (a) farmers and (b) industry stakeholders on the reformed Sustainable Farming Incentive before announcing further details.

Defra is working closely with farmers and industry stakeholders to design a future SFI offer that fairly and responsibly directs funding. Further details about the reformed SFI offer will be announced following the spending review in summer 2025.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to monitor Higher Level Stewardship payments to ensure they deliver (a) measurable environmental benefits and (b) value for money in (i) rural communities and (ii) Fylde constituency.

Extensions to Higher Level Stewardships (HLS) agreements have been offered to all based on meeting specific eligibility requirements and an assessment that the current agreement continues to meet its expected environmental outcomes. This provides value for money and delivers environmental benefits in rural communities. No HLS agreements fall within the Flyde constituency.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether farmers currently on expiring Higher Level Stewardship agreements will be eligible for the new payment rates if they (a) renew and (b) transition to Environmental Land Management schemes.

Farmers whose Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) agreement expired in 2024 and that expire in 2025 have been offered an extension to their agreement. If they accept this extension, then they will benefit from the increases in the HLS rates. An individual's payments increase will depend on the options in their agreement. Most HLS agreements will naturally expire in 2028. We are reviewing our approach to transitioning farmers from existing agreements into new schemes. Where a farmer makes a new application, they will be entitled to the rates applicable to the scheme they choose as payment rates are set according to the scheme.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to allocate additional funding to the Environment Agency to support the enforcement of waste crime legislation.

Defra works closely with the Environment Agency to ensure it is equipped to carry out its functions effectively and deliver for the public and the environment.

Food and Rural Affairs, how many prosecutions have been brought against waste operators in (a) Fylde and (b) Lancashire since July 2024; and how many resulted in custodial sentences.

The Environment Agency (EA) has brought prosecutions against six waste operators in Lancashire since July 2024. In one of these cases, illegal activity at a site in Fylde was part of the case. None of these prosecutions resulted in custodial sentences. This information only relates to action taken by the EA.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help increase the reporting of waste crime in rural communities.

Local authorities in England are required to report fly-tipping incidents and enforcement actions to Defra, which are published annually at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fly-tipping-in-england, this data excludes the majority of private-land incidents. We continue to work with stakeholders, such as the National Farmers Union and local authorities, through the National Fly-Tipping Prevention Group to share good practice, including how to prevent fly-tipping on private land. Suspected illegal waste activity can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers through their dedicated website https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously or by calling 0800 555 111. Alternatively, the Environment Agency’s 24-hour incident hotline is available on 0800 80 70 60 and fly-tipping can be reported here https://www.gov.uk/report-flytipping.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 13 March 2025 to Question 38171 on Farmers: Lancashire, how much and what proportion of the Farming Recovery Fund has been allocated to support the mental health and wellbeing of farmers in (a) Fylde constituency and (b) Lancashire.

The Farming Recovery Fund provided a recovery payment for farmers who have suffered uninsurable damage from notably high main river flooding following Storms Babet and Henk or fall within an area which we have determined to be in receipt of exceptionally high rainfall during October 2023 to March 2024. Lancashire did not fall into an eligible area.