Every parliamentary written question tabled by Charlotte Cane this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1–20 of 41 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Food and Rural Affairs, what consideration her Department has given to including Battery Energy Storage Sites within the Environmental Permitting Regulations.
We are committed to including Battery Energy Storage Solutions as an activity in the Environmental Permitting Regulations, subject to final policy review.
Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the closure of bioenergy power stations which burn agricultural waste, including straw and poultry litter, after the end of the Renewables Obligation Certificate scheme in 2027 on the environment.
While operators of Renewables Obligation accredited generators will have been aware of the expiry of their entitlement to Renewables Obligations Certificates for some time, Defra recognises the potential for adverse environmental consequences of the ending of agreements. Informing this, Defra's research portfolio includes research into the agricultural landbank available to apply these types of materials as a source of nutrients to meet crop and soil needs and explores novel fertilisers from organic materials. The storage and application of these materials to agricultural land is also controlled by The Reduction and Prevention of Agricultural Diffuse Pollution (England) Regulations 2018 and The Nitrate Pollution Prevention Regulations 2015. Defra has committed to consolidate these agricultural water regulations into a clearer and stronger set of rules. Through these reforms it will consider how best to regulate the use of organic manures on farms and the interdependencies with wider policies. Nonetheless, Defra would continue to expect individuals and businesses to abide by legal obligations.
Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Department's Answer to Question 89843 on Flood Control, answered on 19 November 2025, if the report mentioned has been taken into consideration when planning for flood risk this winter.
The Government continues to prioritise improving flood resilience to protect communities. In developing policy, we consider the findings of research from key external partners, and this includes those in the Building Future Communities report.
Food and Rural Affairs, if she will bring forward legislative proposals to permit (a) commercial companies and (b) property developers to offer collection and reuse of non-drinkable rainwater.
Defra are considering the recommendations set out in the Independent Water Commission including the ask for Government to work with regulators to develop a new policy and regulatory framework to drive the adoption of water re-use infrastructure in the household and non-household commercial market. The Government recognises the benefits of water reuse within domestic properties through rainwater harvesting with the additional benefit of reduced demand on the sewerage system through attenuation of water within the system. Opportunities to harness these benefits will be considered as part of our review of Part H of the Building Regulations including the use of dual pipe systems providing both potable and treated, non-potable water which has the capacity of supplying rainwater, greywater and stormwater. The treated reused water can be used for non-drinking purposes such as toilet flushing, outdoor use and washing machines. Potable water is still supplied for human consumption, as well as other domestic uses such as showering and sinks.
Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 13 November to Question 88050 on Farmers: Mental Health and Productivity, whether her Department plans to explore the possibility of commissioning this research alongside stakeholders.
Defra has no current plans to explore commissioning this research alongside stakeholders. We talk with farming charity stakeholders on a regular basis.
Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to increase the number of prosecutions for sewage dumping.
The Water (Special Measures) Act provides the most significant increase in enforcement powers in a decade, giving regulators the teeth they need to take tougher action against water companies. The Act ensures courts can include imprisonment for any individual in cases where the regulators’ investigations have been obstructed. The Environment Agency already has powers to prosecute company directors and other senior officers under Regulation 41 of the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016, whilst courts have powers to fine individuals within companies who are convicted of polluting our waterways. The Environment Agency has also increased water company inspections to 10,000 per year from April 2025, as part of the government’s wider focus to hold companies to account and improve our water environment. Since July 2024, the Environment Agency has launched 87 investigations and 6 prosecutions against water companies, with fines totalling over £2 million. It has also accepted 24 Enforcement Undertakings since the election, with financial contributions totalling over £8.5 million.
Food and Rural Affairs, what data her Department holds on the number of cases of illegal dumping of waste in Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency in each of the last five years.
Local authorities in England are required to report fly-tipping incidents and enforcement action to Defra, which the department have published annually since 2012, at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fly-tipping-in-england. This data is not available at a constituency level and excludes the majority of private-land incidents. Data for the 2024/25 reporting year is still being collected. The Environment Agency (EA) investigates fly tipping where the waste is more than 20 tonnes, a specified amount of hazardous waste, or is suspected to be linked to organised crime. From quarter 1 of 2020/21 to present there have been 9 cases of Illegal dumping which fall under the EA’s remit in the Ely and East Cambridgeshire Constituency Area.For each year, they are as follows:2020/21 – 12021/22 – 02022/23 – 02023/24 – 32024/25 – 42025/26 – 1 (to date) Please note that these reports of illegal waste dumping exclude those which may be reported to the EA but fall within the remit of local authorities (East Cambridgeshire District Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council). Those are deemed as local cases of ‘fly-tipping’.
Food and Rural Affairs, whether she plans to take steps to support (a) households, (b) businesses and (c) developers to increase the re-use of greywater.
A consultation launched on 23 September 2025 proposes tightening Building Regulations to see new homes fitted with Water Saving features, such as aerated taps and showerheads, and dual flush toilets. Strengthened Water Efficiency Standards through updated Building Regulations will boost housebuilding and keep more money in families’ pockets. Updated standards will bolster drought resilience and unblock developments in water scarce areas. Future innovations such as using recycled greywater in homes, is also being considered in a call for evidence running alongside the consultation. The Independent Water Commission Report published in summer recommended that Government work with regulators to develop a new policy and regulatory framework to drive the adoption of reuse infrastructure in the household and non-household space. The Government will respond to the commission’s recommendations through a White Paper and new water reform Bill. Government is also working with Ofwat to encourage higher levels of water and wastewater efficiency in new developments through environmental incentives.
Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 13 November 2025 to Question 88050 on Farmers: Mental Health and Productivity, if her Department will make an estimate of the cost of producing such research.
It is impossible to calculate costs of potential research without specifying the exact parameters of what is being researched in detail. Engagement with charities and wider stakeholders has not indicated an immediate need for commissioning of research in this area; however, we will continue to bring together evidence on farmer mental health collected in other ways.
Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help maintain the Fens.
Over 600,000 people live in the Fens, the region generates over £58 billion of benefits. Sustaining the system is getting more challenging in the face of a changing climate.Through Fens 2100+ the Environment Agency (EA) aims to transform how it maintains its assets and invest in flood and coastal resilience. The EA has invested £7.6m million in asset maintenance in 25-26 but is aware that a long-term investment plan is needed to ensure the Fens continues to thrive. In Spring 2026, Fens 2100+ will be launching a strategic case and 15-point Partnership action plan for continued investment and maintenance in the Fens.
Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department plans to monitor levels of pharmaceutical pollution in waterways.
The Environment Agency (EA) routinely monitors for over 100 pharmaceuticals within rivers using semi-quantitative methods that are routinely updated as new risks are identified by the EA's Prioritisation and Early Warning System (PEWS). The EA works with the water industry on the Chemicals Investigation Programme (CIP), which considers pharmaceuticals in sewage effluent. The Government has been working with water companies under their Chemical Investigations Programme (CIP), to improve the evidence base on the fate of contaminants following treatment processes. The current phase of the Chemicals Investigation Programme (CIP4) includes a specific project to monitor pharmaceuticals in wastewater. As a founding member of the Pharmaceuticals in the Environment (PiE) group, the EA advises on policy initiatives that will reduce pharmaceutical contamination of surface waters.
Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies on flooding of Aviva's report entitled Building Future Communities, published on 14 October 2025.
I recently met with Aviva's CEO of UK General Insurance at the second Insurance Roundtable on 13 October and welcome ongoing engagement to improve support to policyholders. This Government has committed record investment in flood and coastal erosion defences and introduced the most significant change in flood and coastal erosion funding policy for nearly fifteen years. Through our new floods funding policy, we will invest at least £300 million in natural flood management over ten years – the highest figure to date for the floods programme. The Government is committed to building the homes the country needs while maintaining the highest levels of flood protection. We intend to consult on planning policy later this year, including policies on flood risk and SuDS. As flooding policy is a devolved matter, the information provided relates to England only.
Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 4 November 2025 to Question 85516 on Marine Protected Areas: Bottom Trawling, when she plans to publish (a) the summary of that consultation and (b) her Department's response.
A consultation on the latest round of proposed fisheries byelaws, which proposes further restrictions on bottom trawling, closed on 29 September. The Marine Management Organisation is now carefully considering all responses received, and decisions will be made in due course.
Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 3 November to Question 85521 on Farmers: Mental Health and Productivity, for what reason the Department does not intend to undertake such research.
We undertake research where evidence does not exist to inform the policy decisions we take and our future research priorities will in part be guided by the Farming Roadmap when that is published next year. We know from working with farming charities that there are significant impacts from poor mental health in farming and have utilised their research, such as the Big Farming Survey, to understand the factors influencing mental health and resulting from, including productivity.
Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 27 October 2025 to Question 83644 on Farmers: Mental Health, if she will commission research to review the link between agricultural workers' mental health and changes in agricultural output.
We have no plans to do so. Production levels are influenced by a range of factors including the weather and market prices. We regularly liaise with farming welfare charities and industry stakeholder groups to understand the issues affecting farmers’ mental health and any impacts resulting from poor mental health.
Food and Rural Affairs, whether she plans to ban bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas.
The Government’s approach is to restrict fishing which is assessed as damaging to the specific protected features in each Marine Protected Area, based on advice from the Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies. A consultation on the latest round of proposed fisheries byelaws, which proposes further restrictions on bottom trawling, closed on 29 September. The Marine Management Organisation is now carefully considering all responses received, and decisions will be made in due course.
Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the average cost of veterinary bills for pet owners.
The Competition and Markets Authority is conducting a market investigation into the provision of veterinary services for household pets. Their Provisional Decision Report was published on 15 October and is open for consultation until 12 November. Defra will consider any remedies from their final report when it is published in Spring 2026.
Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 80142 on Farmers: Mental Health, what discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on expanding that support.
The Secretary of State has regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a range of issues, and Cabinet discussions are considered confidential. The department regularly meets with stakeholders as part of ongoing work to understand the causes behind poor mental health in farmers and what actions can be taken to assist those experiencing mental health challenges.
Food and Rural Affairs, what data her Department holds on levels of sewage discharges in Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency.
The Environment Agency (EA) hold several data sets relating to discharges of sewage to the environment. Most publicly accessible data can be found at: Water Data Explorer | Engage Environment Agency. The majority of sewage discharges are permitted under the Environmental Permitting Regulations. Event Duration Monitoring data is available for all Storm Overflows. This provides data on the number of untreated sewage spills and the duration of each. The EA holds records of pollution incidents, including details of all non-permitted sewage discharges that are reported to them, or that they otherwise become aware of.
Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 80143 on Farmers: Mental Health, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of farmers' mental health on levels of agricultural output.
Levels of agricultural output are measured in our statistical publications and can be affected by a range of factors including prices, disease and the weather. Although we have not attributed changes in output to changes in mental health, Defra recognises that poor mental health can affect agricultural productivity and profitability. International evidence has also highlighted a bidirectional relationship between mental health and agricultural output at the farm level.