Every parliamentary written question tabled by Darren Paffey this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 1–5 of 5 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance her Department provides to local authorities on ensuring value for money in contracts for the treatment of separately collected household food waste, including where private contractors receive revenue from biomethane and digestate produced from that waste.
Awaiting answer.
Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Department is taking to (a) support a repair and reuse economy and (b) prioritise waste reduction measures; and whether his Department plans to help reduce advertising of disposable products.
This Government is committed to transitioning to a circular economy. We have convened a Circular Economy Taskforce, comprising experts from industry, academia, and civil society, to help develop a Circular Economy Strategy for England. The Strategy will map our transition to a circular economy, supported by a series of roadmaps that detail the interventions that the Government and others will make on a sector-by-sector basis. Defra recognises that reuse and repair are fundamental tenets of any circular economy, and a successful transition aims to eliminate waste and promote sustainability through reuse and resource efficiency. We will consider the evidence for appropriate action right across the economy as we develop the Strategy.
Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the wastewater licence at Portswood Wastewater Treatment Works in Southampton.
The adequacy of the Environmental Permit at Portswood Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) in Southampton has been assessed through various modelling investigations and regulatory reviews. These have resulted in several improvements at Portswood including th...
Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the adequacy of lifeguard numbers on UK beaches; and whether he plans to improve beach safety.
We have made no such assessment. However, the responsibility for lifeguards on beaches is usually a matter for local authorities or private beach owners.
Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to increase the enforcement powers of Ofwat to help tackle unlawful discharges of sewage into the River Itchen by Southern Water.
The Secretary of State recently met with water company bosses, including Southern Water, to make clear that water firms will be held accountable for their performance for customers and the environment. During the meeting, water bosses signed up to the Government’s initial package of reforms to cut sewage dumping and attract investment to upgrade infrastructure. The Government also announced a new Water (Special Measures) Bill, which will turn around the performance of water companies, in the King’s Speech. The Bill will strengthen regulation, give the water regulator new powers to ban the payment of bonuses if environmental standards are not met and increase accountability for water executives. These are the first critical steps in enabling a long-term and transformative reset of the entire water sector. I would also refer the hon. Member to the Written Statement made by the Secretary of State on 18 July: Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament.