Written questions by Spencer.

Food and Rural Affairs, what progress her Department has made on the River Thames Scheme; what her planned timetable is for that scheme; and what the (a) current and (b) projected expenditure is for that scheme, in the context of the project’s mid-project review.

Significant progress has been made in preparing for The River Thames Scheme to undergo Statutory Consultation to inform the application of a Development Consent Order (DCO). The mid-project review, initiated by Project Sponsors: The Environment Agency (EA) and Surrey County Council, is ensuring the scheme design is optimised before finalising the DCO. In addition, the Sponsors commissioned the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) to independently assess the readiness of the project and sponsoring organisations to deliver the project. The cost of the development work up to this point has been £104 million. The EA will be bringing forward an updated business case this Summer, which will set out the revised timetable to submit the DCO, an updated cost assessment, and any revised arrangement for delivery of the scheme. Subject to approval of this business case, the next stage in progressing the project is to secure the DCO.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether she plans to issue national guidance on the application of sustainable drainage systems.

The Government is strongly committed to improving the implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). In December 2024, we made changes to the National Planning Policy Framework to support increased delivery of Sustainable Drainage Systems.The department is now consulting on a revised National Planning Policy Framework – including for flood risk and Sustainable Drainage Systems – and, separately, on proposals to increase adoption of shared amenities, with planned guidance to ensure lifetime maintenance.In June 2025, the Government introduced new national standards. (opens in a new tab)Better delivery of SuDS may be achieved by continuing to improve the current planning policy-based approach and looking at ways of improving the approach to adoption and maintenance, rather than commencing Schedule 3 to the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. A final decision on this matter will be made in due course.

Food and Rural Affairs, when she expects Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 to be brought into force in England.

The Government is strongly committed to improving the implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). In December 2024, we made changes to the National Planning Policy Framework to support increased delivery of Sustainable Drainage Systems.The department is now consulting on a revised National Planning Policy Framework – including for flood risk and Sustainable Drainage Systems – and, separately, on proposals to increase adoption of shared amenities, with planned guidance to ensure lifetime maintenance.In June 2025, the Government introduced new national standards. (opens in a new tab)Better delivery of SuDS may be achieved by continuing to improve the current planning policy-based approach and looking at ways of improving the approach to adoption and maintenance, rather than commencing Schedule 3 to the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. A final decision on this matter will be made in due course.

Food and Rural Affairs, what plans she has to increase the level of funding and resources for local authorities for the purpose of regulating and approving Sustainable Drainage Systems.

The Government is committed to improving the implementation of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). As part of this commitment, we will consider local authority funding for regulating and approving SuDS.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment has been made of the level of resource required to a) repair and b) maintain essential river assets, including weirs and sluice gates, on the River Thames.

The 195 sets of weirs and sluices that exist along the 217km of non-tidal Thames are owned and operated by the Environment Agency (EA) and are regularly inspected to assess their condition, operational effectiveness, and safety. Critical parts of the weirs and sluices are replaced throughout their lifetime as part of the EA’s maintenance programme, to ensure they continue to provide effective water level management. Future investment need is considered as part of each Spending Review. Navigation locks have a similar inspection and maintenance regime, and their wider investment need also forms part of the Spending Review process.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility to people who are digitally excluded of the consultation entitled Livestock feed controls review for England and Wales.

The joint Defra and Welsh Government consultation on proposed changes to the current Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) related livestock feed controls opened on 4th February and will close on 1st April 2025. Online engagement is an efficient and transparent means for sharing proposals and gathering feedback from groups and individuals affected by or interested in proposed changes. It is part of a wider engagement process. Defra and the Welsh government have emailed key stakeholders and asked them to share the consultation. Responding on Citizen Space is encouraged as it facilitates analysis of responses. People who are unable to respond to the consultation online can request a printed copy of the consultation and reply by post. We consider accessibility by ensuring all consultations are compliant with the Disability and Equality Act 2010 and accessible to people with disabilities as defined by the Act.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility to people who are digitally excluded of the consultation on Land use in England.

The Land Use Consultation will run for 12 weeks, closing on the 25th of April with the Government aiming to publish the final Land Use Framework later this year. The consultation is the start of a national conversation on how we best use our land, this will involve regional workshops as well as roundtables with key stakeholder groups. These activities will shape the future Land Use Framework, alongside the responses to the consultation which can be sent in writing to the following address: Land Use ConsultationThird Floor, Mallard House,Kings Pool, 1-2 Peasholme Green,York,YO1 7PX

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 23 January 2025 to Question 24940 on Bridges: Runnymede and Weybridge, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the response of the Environment Agency to public safety concerns.

The Environment Agency (EA) prioritises public safety across all of the activities it carries out and also the assets it is responsible for. The towpath bridges that are currently closed will remain closed until the recommended refurbishment works have been completed. The EA are aware that the safeguarding measures at Bridge 142 have been repeatedly vandalised and EA staff have regrettably experienced hostility. They are, however, regularly checking the bridge’s signage and security fencing when it is safe to do so and have commissioned a more robust security measure that will be more resilient to vandalism. The EA is doing everything it can to address public safety across its assets.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 23 October 2024 on Bridges: Runnymede and Weybridge, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Environment Agency's response to the closure of bridge 142 on public safety.

The Thames towpath provides health and wellbeing benefits to many communities, as well as being an important access route. The Environment Agency’s (EA’s) towpath bridge refurbishments are considered within their overall Navigation capital programme. Each project is evaluated against its impact on customer safety, income generation, water level management, design complexity, cost, and impact on the Navigation service. This programme is refreshed each year to maximise the benefits for Navigation customers within the grant-in-aid allocation the EA receives from the Government. The EA is now exploring how partnership funding could be used alongside the grant-in-aid funding it receives from the Government for bridge refurbishment projects. In the meantime, temporary security fencing has been put in place to safeguard members of the public while the necessary funding is secured to refurbish the bridge, and a footpath diversion remains in place.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to regulate professional dog walkers.

Professional dog walkers must comply with the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and other relevant legislation, such as welfare in transport regulations and the Health and Safety at Work Act, and any public liability or other insurance policy requirements. The Government has no current plans to regulate professional dog walkers. The Canine and Feline Sector Group has published best practice guidance to assist dog walkers which can be found here: https://www.cfsg.org.uk/.

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with Ofwat on the potential impact of proposed changes to employers National Insurance contributions on the financial resilience of water companies.

The Secretary of State has not had any discussion with Ofwat on the potential impact of changes to employer National Insurance contributions. Given the principle of regulatory independence, Ofwat conducts the price control review process at a distance from the Government. It would not be appropriate for the Government to interfere in this process. As part of Ofwat's price review process, companies are given an allowance for their total expenditure. Ofwat expects companies to manage their costs within that allowance. Expenditure in excess of allowances may place pressure on a company's financial resilience, and this is an area that Ofwat closely monitors to ensure that companies are able to carry out their functions. Ofwat will publish its final determinations for its 2024 price review in December, which will confirm the total expenditure for water companies for the next five years.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of changes in employers' National Insurance contributions on Thames Water's (a) financial viability and (b) infrastructure investment plan.

To repair public finances and help raise the revenue required to increase funding for public services, the Government has taken the difficult decision to increase employer National Insurance. The Government has been clear that we need to take difficult decisions to deliver long-term stability and growth. Stabilising the public finances is the only way to create long-term stability in which businesses can thrive Defra will not make any assessment of the potential impact of changes in employers' National Insurance contributions for an individual company.

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with Thames Water on removing surface water from sewer systems by (a) sewer lining and (b) manhole sealing in the Runnymede and Weybridge Constituency since July 2024.

Since July 2024 the Secretary of State has not had discussions with Thames water specifically on removing surface water from sewer systems by (a) sewer lining and (b) manhole sealing in the Runnymede and Weybridge Constituency. The Environment Agency has confirmed that Thames Water is investigating groundwater infiltration and surface water inundation into its sewer network in Weybridge and is developing a management plan. This is part of Thames Water’s wider ongoing work to update and develop its Groundwater Impacted Systems Management Plans which may include targeted sewer lining, manhole sealing and other actions as appropriate.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of Thames Water's operational response to flooding during Storm Henk (a) nationally and (b) in Surrey.

Storm Henk was the eighth named storm of the 2023/24 flood season, with flood warnings across the country from 02 to 09 January. River flooding impacts were due to heavy rainfall falling on saturated catchments. On 4 January, the impact from flooding in the Rive Mole, Surrey, resulted in Thames Water’s Horley Wastewater Treatment Works discharging effluent into the surrounding area as the storm tanks overflowed. The Government expects water and sewerage companies to take all possible measures to avoid pollution incidents and to mitigate environmental impact if they occur. If a water company is found to have breached their permit conditions, the Environment Agency will not hesitate to take action, in line with their enforcement and sanctions policy. Looking ahead, Surrey County Council are in the process of preparing their reports for the Winter 2024 flooding, which will include a review of Thames Water’s recent performance together with recommendations.

Food and Rural Affairs, how many enforcement actions to require riparian landowners to discharge their watercourse maintenance obligations were taken by the Environment Agency in each constituency in 2023.

In 2023 the Environment Agency (EA) recorded 404 incidents nationally where riparian ownership was referenced. Where offences were identified the EA took action in line with their enforcement and sanctions policy to protect the environment. One warning letter, one advice and guidance letter and one site warning were issued during 2023. There were no prosecutions.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of Thames Water’s surface and foul water drainage asset management in the Runnymede and Weybridge constituency.

It is important for companies to maintain assets to ensure compliance with legal obligations and continuity of service for customers now and into the future. There are two common performance commitments that Ofwat uses, alongside other information, to monitor the health of wastewater assets. These are treatment works compliance and number of sewer collapses.

Food and Rural Affairs, the performance standards he expects Thames Water to meet in response to a sewer flooding incident.

The Environment Agency expects water and sewerage companies to take all possible measures to avoid pollution incidents and to mitigate environmental impact if they occur. Thames Water’s current performance on pollution incidents is unacceptable and the company needs to increase the scale and pace of action set out in its Pollution Incident Reduction Plan.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the Environment Agency’s performance on flood risk asset management along the non-tidal Thames; and what discussions he has had with that agency on improving its performance.

Protecting communities around the country from flooding is one of the new Secretary of State’s five core priorities. That’s why this Government launched a Flood Resilience Taskforce to provide oversight of national and local flood resilience and preparedness ahead of and after winter flood season. The Government is investing over £1.25 billion in 2024/25 to build and maintain flood defences to scale up national resilience. We continue to target investment where it’s most needed to ensure that communities are protected from the devastating impacts of flooding and coastal erosion. There are currently no flood risk assets on the River Thames within the Runnymede and Weybridge constituency. However, the Maidenhead, Windsor and Eton Flood Alleviation scheme (MWEFAS) reduces impacts of Thames flooding. Assessments carried out post-flooding showed that it performed as designed. Approximately 7% of primary purpose navigation assets below required condition are within Runnymede and Weybridge constituency. Where assets are not at required condition, this identifies that work is needed. It doesn’t present a risk of failure, or compromise performance in a flood, because mitigation measures are put in place such as more frequent inspections by the Environment Agency (EA). Defra ministers regularly meet with EA leadership to discuss its performance and delivery of departmental priorities.

Food and Rural Affairs, what proportion of (a) flood risk and (b) primary navigation assets along the non-tidal Thames that are below their target condition lie within the Runnymede and Weybridge constituency.

Protecting communities around the country from flooding is one of the new Secretary of State’s five core priorities. That’s why this Government launched a Flood Resilience Taskforce to provide oversight of national and local flood resilience and preparedness ahead of and after winter flood season. The Government is investing over £1.25 billion in 2024/25 to build and maintain flood defences to scale up national resilience. We continue to target investment where it’s most needed to ensure that communities are protected from the devastating impacts of flooding and coastal erosion. There are currently no flood risk assets on the River Thames within the Runnymede and Weybridge constituency. However, the Maidenhead, Windsor and Eton Flood Alleviation scheme (MWEFAS) reduces impacts of Thames flooding. Assessments carried out post-flooding showed that it performed as designed. Approximately 7% of primary purpose navigation assets below required condition are within Runnymede and Weybridge constituency. Where assets are not at required condition, this identifies that work is needed. It doesn’t present a risk of failure, or compromise performance in a flood, because mitigation measures are put in place such as more frequent inspections by the Environment Agency (EA). Defra ministers regularly meet with EA leadership to discuss its performance and delivery of departmental priorities.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the (a) ability of river users to safely navigate the Thames river and (b) potential economic impact of the proportion of navigation assets along the non-tidal Thames that are below their target condition.

(a) The safety of river users navigating the non-tidal Thames is a priority for the Environment Agency (EA), although it remains the responsibility of the master of their vessel to ensure the safety of it and everyone on board. The EA have measures in place to ensure the safety of river users which include regular inspections and maintenance of assets, marking obstructions and hazards in the channel. The hydraulic locks on the Thames also have a ‘public power’ setting which reduces the speed that the locks fills or empties, to ensure that they can be safely operated by the public when there is no Lock & Weir Keeper on duty. (b) The EA engages regularly with businesses operating on the River Thames. The EA is developing a strategic management plan for assets on its navigable waterways. This plan looks to set out the performance of its assets and identify the investment required to maintain these assets to deliver that performance at an acceptable level of risk. Although some assets are currently classed as below required condition this does not necessarily mean they are inoperable.