Written questions by Morello.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the risk of flooding in (a) Bothenhampton, (b) Bridport, (c) Maiden Newton, (d) Ryme Intrinseca, (e) Yetminster and (f) Chilfrome.

Protecting communities around the country from flooding is one of the Secretary of State’s five core priorities. That is why we set up a Flood Resilience Taskforce to provide oversight of national and local flood resilience and preparedness ahead of and after the winter flood season. Over the last few years, we have seen the wettest winters since 1871. Sadly, some communities experienced flooding multiple times and in quick succession. The Environment Agency (EA) has recently published new data showing 6.3 million properties across England are in areas at risk of flooding from one or a combination of rivers, the sea and surface water. These maps are available online and show the latest predictions of flood risk now, and with an allowance for climate change. The EA operates a flood warning service informing communities of flood risk and when to take precautions. They work closely with partner organisations, through the Local Resilience Forum, to plan and prepare for localised incidents and wider emergencies. The EA operates a wide range of flood defence assets and has an operational response team, which manages the operation of these assets during flooding. In case flood defence assets are exceeded or fail, the EA has well-rehearsed contingency plans which can be deployed to mitigate effects. The EA continues to build strong relationships with local communities to improve community flood resilience. Through the flood warden programme, the EA engages regularly with volunteers and Parish Councils. Engagement takes place where the risk is highest and where we receive the highest number of reported flooded properties.

Food and Rural Affairs, if the Minister for Water and Flooding will meet with the hon. Member for West Dorset to discuss solutions for the water quality of the River Lim.

My Defra private office handles all meeting requests. Please contact them directly to request a meeting.

Food and Rural Affairs, what emergency response plans are in place for severe flooding events in (a) Bothenhampton, (b) Bridport, (c) Maiden Newton, (d) Ryme Intrinseca, (e) Yetminster and (f) Chilfrome.

Protecting communities around the country from flooding is one of the Secretary of State’s five core priorities. That is why we set up a Flood Resilience Taskforce to provide oversight of national and local flood resilience and preparedness ahead of and after the winter flood season. Over the last few years, we have seen the wettest winters since 1871. Sadly, some communities experienced flooding multiple times and in quick succession. The Environment Agency (EA) has recently published new data showing 6.3 million properties across England are in areas at risk of flooding from one or a combination of rivers, the sea and surface water. These maps are available online and show the latest predictions of flood risk now, and with an allowance for climate change. The EA operates a flood warning service informing communities of flood risk and when to take precautions. They work closely with partner organisations, through the Local Resilience Forum, to plan and prepare for localised incidents and wider emergencies. The EA operates a wide range of flood defence assets and has an operational response team, which manages the operation of these assets during flooding. In case flood defence assets are exceeded or fail, the EA has well-rehearsed contingency plans which can be deployed to mitigate effects. The EA continues to build strong relationships with local communities to improve community flood resilience. Through the flood warden programme, the EA engages regularly with volunteers and Parish Councils. Engagement takes place where the risk is highest and where we receive the highest number of reported flooded properties.

Food and Rural Affairs, what data his Department holds on the proportion of household waste sent to landfill in West Dorset constituency.

Data on household waste is collected via the publicly available Waste Data Flow Portal (https://www.wastedataflow.org/). Information is submitted on a local authority basis rather than constituency. Dorset Council, which includes West Dorset, sent 4,547 tonnes of household waste to landfill (2.7% of 170,080 tonnes collected) based on the latest data covering 2022/23.

Food and Rural Affairs, what funding he has allocated for flood defence improvements in (a) Bothenhampton, (b) Bridport, (c) Maiden Newton, (d) Ryme Intrinseca, (e) Yetminster and (f) Chilfrome over the next five years.

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. Investment in flood risk management schemes takes place where the risk is highest, wherever it is across the country. Each scheme is carefully considered to determine whether and how far it will benefit the most people and property. An initial assessment of the flood defences in Bridport determined that maintenance of the existing defences is the most cost-effective option. Bridport remains on the pipeline programme to revisit in 10 years. Bothenhampton, Maiden Newton and Yetminster are not included in the current pipeline programme. However, these areas should see flood risk benefits at a catchment scale due to the influence of Natural Flood Management (NFM) projects in the area. The Environment Agency (EA) is working with organisations such as the Dorset National Landscape Partnership to deliver a NFM project across the Brit catchment that will reduce flood risk to communities such as Beaminster. The River Brit project received a share of £25million in Government funding. In Maiden Newton, Dorset Wildlife Trust is gathering data on the impact of beavers to flood risk at Kingcombe Nature reserve at the headwaters of the Frome. At Yetminster, Yeovil Rivers Trust is installing NFM measures in the headwaters of the Wriggle to slow the flow and attenuate floodwater. The EA is proposing to desilt the Maiden Newton Flood Alleviation Channel this year.

Food and Rural Affairs, what role natural flood management solutions play in flood defence plans for (a) Bothenhampton, (b) Bridport, (c) Maiden Newton, (d) Ryme Intrinseca, (e) Yetminster and (f) Chilfrome.

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. Investment in flood risk management schemes takes place where the risk is highest, wherever it is across the country. Each scheme is carefully considered to determine whether and how far it will benefit the most people and property. An initial assessment of the flood defences in Bridport determined that maintenance of the existing defences is the most cost-effective option. Bridport remains on the pipeline programme to revisit in 10 years. Bothenhampton, Maiden Newton and Yetminster are not included in the current pipeline programme. However, these areas should see flood risk benefits at a catchment scale due to the influence of Natural Flood Management (NFM) projects in the area. The Environment Agency (EA) is working with organisations such as the Dorset National Landscape Partnership to deliver a NFM project across the Brit catchment that will reduce flood risk to communities such as Beaminster. The River Brit project received a share of £25million in Government funding. In Maiden Newton, Dorset Wildlife Trust is gathering data on the impact of beavers to flood risk at Kingcombe Nature reserve at the headwaters of the Frome. At Yetminster, Yeovil Rivers Trust is installing NFM measures in the headwaters of the Wriggle to slow the flow and attenuate floodwater. The EA is proposing to desilt the Maiden Newton Flood Alleviation Channel this year.

Food and Rural Affairs, how he is involving local communities in (a) Bothenhampton, (b) Bridport, (c) Maiden Newton, (d) Ryme Intrinseca, (e) Yetminster and (f) Chilfrome in developing flood resilience strategies.

Protecting communities around the country from flooding is one of the Secretary of State’s five core priorities. That is why we set up a Flood Resilience Taskforce to provide oversight of national and local flood resilience and preparedness ahead of and after the winter flood season. Over the last few years, we have seen the wettest winters since 1871. Sadly, some communities experienced flooding multiple times and in quick succession. The Environment Agency (EA) has recently published new data showing 6.3 million properties across England are in areas at risk of flooding from one or a combination of rivers, the sea and surface water. These maps are available online and show the latest predictions of flood risk now, and with an allowance for climate change. The EA operates a flood warning service informing communities of flood risk and when to take precautions. They work closely with partner organisations, through the Local Resilience Forum, to plan and prepare for localised incidents and wider emergencies. The EA operates a wide range of flood defence assets and has an operational response team, which manages the operation of these assets during flooding. In case flood defence assets are exceeded or fail, the EA has well-rehearsed contingency plans which can be deployed to mitigate effects. The EA continues to build strong relationships with local communities to improve community flood resilience. Through the flood warden programme, the EA engages regularly with volunteers and Parish Councils. Engagement takes place where the risk is highest and where we receive the highest number of reported flooded properties.

Food and Rural Affairs, what proportion of waste is sent to landfill (a) in West Dorset constituency and (b) nationally.

In 2022 there was 41.3 million tonnes (21.4%) of waste sent to landfill in England. This is the latest publicly available information and is published on gov.uk (UK statistics on waste - GOV.UK). Defra does not hold data on total waste sent to landfill in West Dorset.

Food and Rural Affairs, what flood prevention measures he has planned for (a) Bothenhampton, (b) Bridport, (c) Maiden Newton, (d) Ryme Intrinseca, (e) Yetminster and (f) Chilfrome.

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. Investment in flood risk management schemes takes place where the risk is highest, wherever it is across the country. Each scheme is carefully considered to determine whether and how far it will benefit the most people and property. An initial assessment of the flood defences in Bridport determined that maintenance of the existing defences is the most cost-effective option. Bridport remains on the pipeline programme to revisit in 10 years. Bothenhampton, Maiden Newton and Yetminster are not included in the current pipeline programme. However, these areas should see flood risk benefits at a catchment scale due to the influence of Natural Flood Management (NFM) projects in the area. The Environment Agency (EA) is working with organisations such as the Dorset National Landscape Partnership to deliver a NFM project across the Brit catchment that will reduce flood risk to communities such as Beaminster. The River Brit project received a share of £25million in Government funding. In Maiden Newton, Dorset Wildlife Trust is gathering data on the impact of beavers to flood risk at Kingcombe Nature reserve at the headwaters of the Frome. At Yetminster, Yeovil Rivers Trust is installing NFM measures in the headwaters of the Wriggle to slow the flow and attenuate floodwater. The EA is proposing to desilt the Maiden Newton Flood Alleviation Channel this year.

If she will meet with the hon. Member for West Dorset to discuss funding for Dorset studio School.

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education and Ministers meet with a wide range of parliamentary colleagues to discuss schools in their constituencies. Should a specific meeting be required, the hon. Member for West Dorset may contact the Secretary of State’s office.The schools national funding formula (NFF) allocates funding primarily based on pupil numbers and pupil characteristics, including additional funding for deprived pupils and pupils with low prior attainment. Schools also receive funding which does not change with pupil numbers, such as lump sum contributions to fixed costs.The NFF is used to calculate funding allocations at local authority level. Local authorities’ own funding formulae determine the actual allocations for individual schools and academies, including studio schools, in their area.Dorset Studio School is attracting nearly £2.9 million in the 2025/26 financial year, or £7,950 per pupil, through the schools NFF. However, as schools' final allocations are determined by local authority funding formulae and based on updated pupil numbers, the final funding allocation may differ from this. The academy general allocation guide for the 2025/26 academic year provides further guidance on understanding studio school funding allocations for the next academic year, and can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/academies-general-annual-grant-allocation-guides-2025-to-2026.With regards to capital funding, ensuring schools and colleges have the resources and buildings they need is a key part of our mission to break down barriers to opportunity and give every young person the best start in life. The feasibility and project costs for Dorset Studio School are currently being reviewed and the relevant approvals will then be sought.

Food and Rural Affairs, how often maintenance of flood defences is conducted in (a) Bothenhampton, (b) Bridport, (c) Maiden Newton, (d) Ryme Intrinseca, (e) Yetminster and (f) Chilfrome.

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. The Environment Agency (EA) maintains a variety of flood defence assets which require differing levels of maintenance. These defences are maintained to ensure the standard of protection specified by the flood alleviation scheme. They are regularly inspected for signs of defects, with appropriate remedial action undertaken when necessary. The EA maintains a flood alleviation scheme throughout Bridport and Maiden Newton to protect properties at risk of flooding. Yetminster has its own flood alleviation scheme, comprising of an embankment and walls with a series of flapped outfalls to manage surface water drainage. Since 2016, the EA has invested in Property Flood Resilience measures that better prevent flooding to 12 properties.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of removing the three grant income streams on the financial sustainability of fire and rescue services in West Dorset constituency.

Government funding for fire and rescue services is provided by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) through the Local Government Finance Settlement. Overall, fire and rescue authorities will receive around £2.87 billion in 2024/25. In 2025/26, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority has a core spending power of £74.9m, an increase of £2.4m or 3.3% compared to 2024/25. The Final Local Government Finance Settlement for 2025/26, (published on 3 February 2025) sets out that standalone Fire and Rescue Authorities, such as Dorset and Wiltshire, will see an increase in core spending power of up to £65.5 million in 2025/26. Including the National Insurance Contribution Grant, this is an increase of 3.6 per cent in cash terms compared to 2024/25. It is the responsibility of each Fire and Rescue Authority to determine how to allocate the funding that they receive based on its analysis of risk and local circumstances. Officials in the Home Office and MHCLG are working with the National Fire Chiefs Council to collate evidence on the fire and rescue sector’s funding needs to HM Treasury. Decisions on any capital funding will be subject to an assessment at the next Spending Review.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of fire station closures on public safety in (a) Dorset and (b) Wiltshire.

Decisions about how Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) are run, and how their resources are allocated are a matter for Chief Fire Officers and their democratically elected Fire and Rescue Authorities (FRAs). They are responsible for meeting the needs of local communities in accordance with their Community Risk Management Plans (CRMPs)His Majesty’s Inspectorate for Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) carries out inspections for each FRS in England to give the public a clear, independent and impartial assessment of performance in each service.  Overall, fire and rescue authorities will receive around £2.87 billion in 2024/25. In 2025/26, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority has a core spending power of £74.9m, an increase of £2.4m or 3.3% compared to 2024/25. The Final Local Government Finance Settlement for 2025/26, (published on 3 February 2025) sets out that standalone Fire and Rescue Authorities, such as Dorset and Wiltshire, will see an increase in core spending power of up to £65.5 million in 2025/26. Including the National Insurance Contribution Grant, this is an increase of 3.6 per cent in cash terms compared to 2024/25.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of ageing fire stations on fire and rescue service operations.

Decisions about how Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) are run, and how their resources are allocated are a matter for Chief Fire Officers and their democratically elected Fire and Rescue Authorities (FRAs). They are responsible for meeting the needs of local communities in accordance their Community Risk Management Plans (CRMPs).His Majesty’s Inspectorate for Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) carries out inspections for each FRS in England to give the public a clear, independent and impartial assessment of performance in each service.

Food and Rural Affairs, what flood prevention measures are in place for (a) Bothenhampton, (b) Bridport, (c) Maiden Newton, (d) Ryme Intrinseca, (e) Yetminster and (f) Chilfrome.

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. The Environment Agency (EA) maintains a variety of flood defence assets which require differing levels of maintenance. These defences are maintained to ensure the standard of protection specified by the flood alleviation scheme. They are regularly inspected for signs of defects, with appropriate remedial action undertaken when necessary. The EA maintains a flood alleviation scheme throughout Bridport and Maiden Newton to protect properties at risk of flooding. Yetminster has its own flood alleviation scheme, comprising of an embankment and walls with a series of flapped outfalls to manage surface water drainage. Since 2016, the EA has invested in Property Flood Resilience measures that better prevent flooding to 12 properties.

Whether her Department has plans to introduce dedicated capital funding for fire and rescue services to allow them to invest in (a) training facilities, (b) fleet, and (c) estate maintenance.

Government funding for fire and rescue services is provided by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) through the Local Government Finance Settlement. Overall, fire and rescue authorities will receive around £2.87 billion in 2024/25. In 2025/26, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority has a core spending power of £74.9m, an increase of £2.4m or 3.3% compared to 2024/25. The Final Local Government Finance Settlement for 2025/26, (published on 3 February 2025) sets out that standalone Fire and Rescue Authorities, such as Dorset and Wiltshire, will see an increase in core spending power of up to £65.5 million in 2025/26. Including the National Insurance Contribution Grant, this is an increase of 3.6 per cent in cash terms compared to 2024/25. It is the responsibility of each Fire and Rescue Authority to determine how to allocate the funding that they receive based on its analysis of risk and local circumstances. Officials in the Home Office and MHCLG are working with the National Fire Chiefs Council to collate evidence on the fire and rescue sector’s funding needs to HM Treasury. Decisions on any capital funding will be subject to an assessment at the next Spending Review.

If she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the financial settlements for fire and rescue services.

Government funding for fire and rescue services is provided by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) through the Local Government Finance Settlement. Overall, fire and rescue authorities will receive around £2.87 billion in 2024/25. In 2025/26, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority has a core spending power of £74.9m, an increase of £2.4m or 3.3% compared to 2024/25. The Final Local Government Finance Settlement for 2025/26, (published on 3 February 2025) sets out that standalone Fire and Rescue Authorities, such as Dorset and Wiltshire, will see an increase in core spending power of up to £65.5 million in 2025/26. Including the National Insurance Contribution Grant, this is an increase of 3.6 per cent in cash terms compared to 2024/25. It is the responsibility of each Fire and Rescue Authority to determine how to allocate the funding that they receive based on its analysis of risk and local circumstances. Officials in the Home Office and MHCLG are working with the National Fire Chiefs Council to collate evidence on the fire and rescue sector’s funding needs to HM Treasury. Decisions on any capital funding will be subject to an assessment at the next Spending Review.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Local Government Finance Settlement 2025-26 on fire and rescue services provision in West Dorset constituency.

For Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Authority, the final Settlement makes available a total of up to £74.9 million in 2025-26, representing an increase in Core Spending Power of up to £2.4 million.The government will continue to work closely with stakeholders across the sector to ensure Fire and Rescue services have the resources they need to protect communities. Decisions on how their resources are best deployed to meet their core functions are a matter for each fire and rescue authority.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure fire and rescue services have sustainable funding to maintain emergency response capabilities and prevention services.

Government funding for fire and rescue services is provided by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) through the Local Government Finance Settlement. Overall, fire and rescue authorities will receive around £2.87 billion in 2024/25. In 2025/26, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority has a core spending power of £74.9m, an increase of £2.4m or 3.3% compared to 2024/25. The Final Local Government Finance Settlement for 2025/26, (published on 3 February 2025) sets out that standalone Fire and Rescue Authorities, such as Dorset and Wiltshire, will see an increase in core spending power of up to £65.5 million in 2025/26. Including the National Insurance Contribution Grant, this is an increase of 3.6 per cent in cash terms compared to 2024/25. It is the responsibility of each Fire and Rescue Authority to determine how to allocate the funding that they receive based on its analysis of risk and local circumstances. Officials in the Home Office and MHCLG are working with the National Fire Chiefs Council to collate evidence on the fire and rescue sector’s funding needs to HM Treasury. Decisions on any capital funding will be subject to an assessment at the next Spending Review.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that (a) the Army Reserve Centre in Dorchester and (b) other Army Reserve Centres have adequate (i) resources and (ii) infrastructure to support (A) recruitment and (B) training.

The Department recognises the invaluable contributions made by the Army Reserves to Defence. Ensuring they have adequate support remains both a priority of mine, and the Ministry of Defence, demonstrated by the fact I have commissioned an internal review in Defence to ensure that we are making the most of the unique contribution our Reserve Forces offer. Any decisions about future investment in Reserve Centres occupied by the Army are pending the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review.