Written questions by Mierlo.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 2 July 2025 to Question 63716 on Bathing Water, what kind of epidemiological studies she is carrying out in relation to wider reforms.

We have begun policy development and research on how best to implement the wider reforms as consulted on last year. These are expanding the definition of a ‘bather’ and introducing the use of multiple monitoring points at bathing sites. Policy development and research includes epidemiological studies which we are doing so that bathing waters can be used, monitored and classified with all users in mind. This research will also help us understand the public health implications and provide accurate advice. We are keen to work with stakeholders and welcome any information they can provide in developing this reform. We are exploring also the potential of conducting immersion studies as part of the research for the wider reforms.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 1 July 2025 to Question 63264 on Water: Reform, what her planned timetable is for the implementation of wider reform one.

In November 2024, the Government, jointly with the Welsh Government, consulted on Reforms to The Bathing Water Regulations 2013, in the first shake-up to the Bathing Water Regulations since they were introduced. We have begun policy development and research, including epidemiological studies, to determine how best to implement both of the wider these reforms detailed in this consultation consulted on; clarifying and expanding the definition of ‘bathers’ and using multiple monitoring points at each bathing water site to classify water quality. This work will take into account any potential environmental, societal and access impacts of these reforms. We are keen to work closely with stakeholders in the development of any future reforms and a timetable for any implementation will be agreed once this work has concluded.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he has made an assessment of the potential impact of reopening Bathing Water applications before changes including (a) core reforms and (b) wider reforms are implemented.

The reforms to the Bathing Water Regulations will modernise the system so that it reflects how and where people use bathing waters. We have taken the decision to reopen applications this year and published interim guidance for applicants wishing to apply for designation in 2026. To manage this transition to the reformed Regulations we shall enact a triage system for new applications submitted in 2025: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bathing-waters-apply-to-designate-or-de-designate/designate-a-bathing-water-guidance-on-how-to-apply. For the wider reforms, we have begun policy development and research, including epidemiological studies, to determine how best to implement these reforms in the future, considering any potential environmental, societal and access impacts.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to his Department's consultation outcome entitled, Reforms to Bathing Water Regulations 2013, published on 12 March 2025, when (a) core reforms and (b) wider reforms will be implemented.

In November and December 2024, the Government, jointly with Welsh Government, consulted on Reforms to The Bathing Water Regulations 2013, in the first shake-up to the Bathing Water Regulations since they were introduced. Reforms to the Bathing Water Regulations 2013 has been a priority for this Government since taking office in July 2024. The reforms to the Bathing Water Regulations will modernise the system so that it reflects how and where people use bathing waters. In their current form, the Regulations take a generally ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, so we are working to facilitate the enjoyment for water users. Subject to parliamentary approval, we intend to proceed with planned regulatory reform for the 3 Core Reforms and 9 Technical Amendments outlined in the consultation ahead of the next bathing season. For the wider reforms, we have begun policy development and research, including epidemiological studies, to determine how best to implement these reforms in future and take into account any potential environmental, societal and access impacts.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the Chalk Stream recovery pack.

Cleaning up our waters, including iconic sites such as chalk streams is a top Government priority. That is why on 23 October 2024, the Secretary of State announced the launch of an independent commission to fundamentally transform how our water system works. Fixing the systemic issues in the water system is essential to address the multiple pressures facing chalk streams, namely over abstraction, phosphorous pollution and physical modifications of habitats. Restoring our chalk streams to better ecological health is part of our overall programme of reforms for the water sector.

Food and Rural Affairs, what progress he has made on designating nine new National River walks; and if he will make an assessment of the merits of establishing a new chalk stream river walk in the Chiltern National Landscape.

The Government is progressing plans to designate nine new National River Walks across England, one in each region, to enhance access to nature. We are currently considering possible locations for the River Walks as well as several delivery options and will provide more information once we are in a position to do so.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to implement the Catchment Based Approached (a) Chalk Stream Restoration Strategy 2021 and (b) Chalk Stream Strategy Implementation Plan 2023.

The Catchment Based Approach (CaBA) group has led fantastic work in developing the Chalk Stream Restoration Strategy and Implementation Plan, and I particularly want to thank them for all their great work in restoring these important habitats. Restoring our chalk streams to better ecological health is a core ambition of our overall programme of work to clean up rivers, lakes and seas for good. Alongside our programme of reforms, Water companies will invest £2 billion over the next 5 years to deliver more than 1,000 targeted actions for chalk stream restoration as part of our Plan for Change. The government is investing £1.8 million through the Water Restoration Fund and Water Environment Improvement Fund for locally led chalk stream clean-up projects across affected regions. Our Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan ensures chalk streams are prioritised for improvement as part of the record £11 billion investment to improve nearly 3,000 storm overflows nationwide.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he plans to take to ensure the (a) safe and (b) smooth passage of vessels along the Thames during (i) Henley Royal Regatta week and (ii) other events which attract international visitors to the town.

As the navigation authority for the non-tidal River Thames, the Environment Agency (EA) plays a key role in supporting the safe and successful delivery of over 200 river-based events each year. These events contribute significantly to the cultural heritage and public enjoyment of the River Thames, while the EA remains committed to upholding the public right of navigation and ensuring the river remains open to traffic. The EA has a long-standing and constructive relationship with the event organisers of Henley Royal Regatta. Working together, they’ve developed and implemented local navigation measures that provide a dedicated racing lane for competition and a separate channel for passing vessels. This approach ensures that competitors, commercial operators, and leisure users can all share the river safely and effectively throughout the event. The EA also maintains a visible presence on-the-water during the Regatta, working closely with professional partners including Thames Valley Police and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. This coordinated effort helps to ensure compliance with navigation rules and supports the safety of all river users. Drawing on all its operational experience, the EA is confident that this year’s Henley Royal Regatta, along with all other events along the Thames, will proceed smoothly and safely.

Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to respond to the correspondence from the hon. Member for Henley and Thame dated 7 May 2025 on lock keepers' safety concerns.

A reply to the hon. Member is being prepared and will be issued as soon as possible.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 14 May 2025 to Question 51082 on National Landscapes: Chilterns, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of reviewing changes to the budget of Natural England in the context of the cancellation of the project to expand the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Beauty; and if she will publish the technical review completed by LUC.

For year 2025/26 the direct funding for National Landscape designation work was not continued. Natural England is using baseline budget to fund a reduced programme of landscape designation work. Decisions on future funding for Natural England will be made as part of the 2025 multi-year Spending Review and through finance settlement processes. Natural England are considering how the evidence base which has been gathered so far through their designation work can best be shared and used.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to amend the Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) Regulations 2017.

In October 2024 the UK and Welsh Government launched an Independent Commission into the water sector regulatory system, this is the third stage of the Government’s water strategy and is the largest review of the industry since privatisation.The Commission will publish an interim report soon and final report later this summer with recommendations to the Government on how to tackle inherited systemic issues in the water sector. The Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) and River Basin Management Plans are in scope of the Commission.The UK and Welsh Government will respond to the report and consult on proposals they intend to take forward to fundamentally transform how the nation’s water system operates to tackle pollution and deliver a resilient water supply, turbocharge investment, and speed up the delivery of infrastructure upgrades to clean up the nation’s waterways.The Corry Review into Defra’s regulatory landscape, published in April this year, has identified the Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) Regulations 2017 along with other regulations as a priority for reform. The review recommends modernising these regulations to ensure they are outcome-focused, proportionate and fit for the future- supporting both nature recovery and sustainable growth. Defra is actively considering implementation of the recommendations from the review.

Food and Rural Affairs, what progress he has made on achieving (a) Good Chemical Status and (b) Good Ecological Status for waterways in Henley and Thame constituency.

The major waterbodies in the Henley & Thames constituency are the Thames (Wallingford to Caversham), Thames (Caversham to Cookham) and the Thame. These waterbodies do not achieve Good Ecological Status due to their Phosphate Status. All the other elements are at Good Status or above. The Environment Act (2021) puts obligations on water companies to reduce their Phosphorous loading from STWs by 80% using a 2020 base. This needs to be achieved by 2038. It is anticipated that once these improvements have been made, most waterbodies will be at or close to Good Status for Phosphate. Any additional reductions to get Phosphate to meet Good Status will need to be done with other sectors, particularly the agricultural sector. The tributaries within the Thame catchment have various reasons for Not Achieving Good Status. During Asset Management Period 8 (which covers 2025-30), 8 Sewage Treatment Works (STW) overflows will be improved to meet Environment Act targets, and a further 7 will have storm overflow investigations, alongside Phosphorus reduction. It is expected that these measures will form part of the pathway to getting the waterbodies to Good Ecological Status.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 27 November 2024 to Question 15605 on Water: Standards and with reference to Henley Swim's announcement entitled Henley Swim stops trading, published on 2 May 2025, what recent assessment he has made of the economic impact on river-based leisure businesses of sewage in waterways.

This Government supports the innovative approaches being taken to trial new charges aiming to make bills fairer and more affordable. All companies plan to trial new charging structures by 2030 and some of them plan to introduce them more widely for additional customers if the trials are successful. Companies can design their charges to provide benefits and incentives in a range of ways. As the water regulator, Ofwat regulates the charging trials by issuing rules that require companies to set fair charges for all customers, and to ensure all trials are consistent with good practice principles. Information on Ministerial meetings are published quarterly on GOV.UK.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 27 November 2024 to Question 15607 on Water: Standards and with reference to Henley Swim's announcement entitled Henley Swim stops trading, published on 2 May 2025, what steps he has taken on reopening applications for new bathing water designations.

This Government supports the innovative approaches being taken to trial new charges aiming to make bills fairer and more affordable. All companies plan to trial new charging structures by 2030 and some of them plan to introduce them more widely for additional customers if the trials are successful. Companies can design their charges to provide benefits and incentives in a range of ways. As the water regulator, Ofwat regulates the charging trials by issuing rules that require companies to set fair charges for all customers, and to ensure all trials are consistent with good practice principles. Information on Ministerial meetings are published quarterly on GOV.UK.

Food and Rural Affairs, what progress Natural England have made on the proposed expansion of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Beauty; and if he will set out a timeline for a consultation on that expansion.

The Department is aware that Natural England in light of pressure on their budgets have taken the hard decision to stop work on the Chilterns boundary review. It had yet to reach the stage of sharing proposed ‘candidate areas’ publicly and as a result of having to stop the project there is no longer a planned timeline for the public consultation. Natural England are in contact with the affected partners to work through the implications of this decision over the coming weeks. Natural England continues to recognise the value landscape designations bring to people and nature and remain committed to maximising that value over the long term.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to prevent overseas private equity investment in Thames Water.

There are no plans to introduce any such legislation at this time. More broadly, the Independent Water Commission is actively considering whether reforms are needed across the water industry, including with respect to economic regulation of water companies. Within this, the Commission is considering regulation of water companies’ financial resilience, investment and competition. The Commission is expected to publish its recommendations, following which the Government expects to bring forward further actions to ensure the water industry is delivering for customers and the environment.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will ensure that Ofwat's enforcement case investigation into Thames Water is (a) performed and (b) concluded in a timely manner.

It is not appropriate for the Government to comment on an ongoing investigation. We have a system of independent environmental and economic regulation, and the recently introduced Water (Special Measures) Act provides the most significant increase in enforcement powers for the regulators in a decade, giving them the teeth they need to take tougher action against water companies in the next investment period. This includes powers for Ofwat to set rules on remuneration, governance, and financial reporting. The Government will continue to work with regulators to hold water companies to account on poor performance and to drive improvements which benefit customers and the environment.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of the implementation of crayfish barriers in (a) brooks and (b) streams to help prevent the non-anthropogenic spread of established invasive crayfish populations.

The use of barriers as a strategic means of managing crayfish spread is currently not promoted by the Environment Agency (EA). This is because such barriers also impact migratory fish and macroinvertebrates. As part of Government efforts to prevent the spread of Signal Crayfish, they are listed as a ‘Species of Special Concern’ and is subject to the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019. This means that live specimens cannot be brought into Great Britain, kept, bred, transported, sold, used or exchanged, allowed to reproduce, grown or cultivated, or released into the environment.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the amount of funding that farmers receive for school (a) visits and (b) education.

Educational access features as part of the wider Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes. The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme (FiPL) provides grant funding for farmers and land managers to work in partnership with National Parks and National Landscape bodies in England to deliver projects achieving positive outcomes for climate, nature, people, and place. Between July 2021 and March 2024, the programme delivered over 3,400 educational access visits and engaged over 600 schools to create more opportunities for diverse audiences to explore, enjoy and understand farming in these unique landscapes.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of changes to (a) Agricultural Property Relief, (b) Sustainable Farming Incentive and (c) other financial subsidies on the mental health of farmers.

This Government is committed to supporting the mental health of those working in farming and agriculture. The Government believes its reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief from 6 April 2026 get the balance right between supporting farms and businesses and fixing the public finances in a fair way. With the reforms, those assets will be taxed at a much lower effective rate than most other assets. Despite a tough fiscal context, the Government will maintain very significant levels of relief from inheritance tax beyond what is available to others and compared to the position before 1992. The Government continues to fund the Farmer Welfare Grant. This currently funds three charities to deliver projects which support mental health and build resilience in local farming communities.