Written questions by McMurdock.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of enforcement powers available to the Environment Agency regarding sewage discharges by water companies.

The Government keeps the Environment Agency’s (EA) powers to address sewage discharges under regular review. We introduced the Water (Special Measures) Act to increase accountability, strengthen sanctions, and make pollution coverups a criminal offence. Our 'New Vision for Water' White Paper, published earlier this year, sets out further reforms, including tighter discharge limits, enhanced monitoring requirements, and the creation of a new single water regulator with stronger, more proactive enforcement tools to ensure water companies are held fully to account for sewage pollution. The Government is also bringing forward measures to strengthen the EA’s ability to act swiftly and proportionately on minor to moderate environmental offences, including those related to sewage discharges. Through forthcoming secondary legislation, we intend to introduce new civil-standard variable monetary penalties and automatic penalties. These tools will enable quicker, more targeted enforcement for minor and moderate breaches, complementing existing powers such as prosecution and criminal-standard penalties, and ensuring water companies face clear and immediate consequences for noncompliance.

Food and Rural Affairs, what targets his Department has set for the creation of new natural habitats along rivers and coastlines.

We have a statutory habitat target which include rivers and coastal habitats, but no sub-targets for habitat types. The revised Environmental Improvement Plan includes prioritised actions to deliver our goals and the ambitious Environment Act targets. It included a commitment to increase saltmarsh by 15% compared to 2009 levels by 2043. The Environment Agency (EA) has a national target for Hectares of habitat created or restored delivering Environmental Net Gain Goals of 680 Ha for 2025/26. The target for 2026/27 is currently being agreed. In addition, the EA initiative Restoring Meadows Marsh and Reef will deliver the Environment Improvement Plan 2025 commitment by 2043 to increase saltmarsh by 15% compared to 2009 levels, seagrass by 15% compared to 2024 levels and create functional oyster reef habitat.

Food and Rural Affairs, how much funding has been allocated in the current spending period for river and coastal habitat restoration.

The “current spending period” is taken to mean the 2025/26 financial year. The Environment Agency (EA) was allocated several funds in 2025/26 that directly contribute to the restoration of river and coastal habitats: £10.9 million Water Environment Improvement Fund (WEIF)£3.3 million Flood Investment programme: Habitat Compensation and Restoration Programme (HCRP)*£8.6m Flood Investment programme: Environmental Statutory Allowance (ESA) scheme £12.6m was also allocated to the Mining Remediation Authority and the Environment Agency for the Water and Abandoned Metal Mines (WAMM) Programme. *Note: the figure is only as per the 25/26 FCERM consented programme and is not yet audited by finance, therefore subject to change. The EA is working with partners to achieve the Restoring Meadow, Marsh and Reef (ReMeMaRe) programme mission and Environmental Improvement Plan Commitment to restore 15% of saltmarsh, seagrass and native oyster reef in England by 2043. Defra has boosted the capacity of ReMeMaRe by providing £130,000 this financial year towards a programme office which is supporting a pipeline of practical restoration projects for those habitats.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with local authorities including (a) Thurrock, (b) Basildon, and (c) Essex councils on bringing wildlife restoration projects into suburban and rural communities.

Essex has a wealth of wildlife and holds a wide variety of nature-rich habitats, including some that are unique to this part of England. As one of 48 Responsible Authorities appointed by the Secretary of State, Essex County Council published its Local Nature Recovery Strategy in July 2025. These strategies propose actions to improve, expand and connect nature, in both rural and urban areas. Natural England has a statutory role, providing bespoke advice and quality assurance to each LNRS, and continues to support Essex County Council as this strategy now moves into a planning and delivery phase. The proposed actions and priorities for improving and connecting nature and greenspace in urban areas, both for the benefit of wildlife and for communities, are set out in chapters 6 and 9 of the Essex Local Nature Recovery Strategy. The development of Essex’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy has been supported by 14 Borough and District Councils which have contributed local data and expertise, including local wildlife site data and species records. These Supporting Authorities include Thurrock Council, Basildon Borough Council, Southend-on-Sea, Chelmsford and Colchester. In the Thurrock area Natural England has been advising and engaging with a number of stakeholders including Thurrock Council, major infrastructure projects and other developers on how to secure long-term thriving nature alongside economic growth opportunities. Natural England’s Sustainable Development leads are advising 14 local authorities across Essex on nature and green space through the Local Plan process, including both Basildon and Thurrock. Essex County Council has developed a Green Infrastructure Strategy which provides guidance for Planning Authorities within the county. Colchester and Southend-on-Sea are both prioritising Green Infrastructure within their Local Plans. Green Infrastructure is the term for multi-functional green spaces such as parks, gardens, wildlife areas, waterways and drainage systems which can deliver benefits for nature, for people and economic prosperity.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of Ofwat in preventing water companies from prioritising shareholder returns over environmental protection.

A stable and effective regulatory framework is crucial in attracting sustained investment to the sector.  The Government supports Ofwat imposing tougher rules on water company dividends and bonuses, so that consumer bills never reward pollution. Ofwat want to see improved transparency of environmental outcomes, enabling customers and stakeholders to understand progress and challenge companies on performance.

Food and Rural Affairs, what mechanisms exist for local communities to be involved in decision-making about water quality and river restoration in their areas; and whether he plans to expand those mechanisms.

The Government’s Water White Paper committed to strengthening regional water planning to enable a more holistic, coordinated approach to water environment and supply planning. Enhanced regional planning will support delivery of national and local priorities and unlock better collaboration across sectors. Regional planning will draw on the work of catchment partnerships to ensure that plans are based on local insight and tailored to local needs. The Catchment Based Approach enables community involvement through over 100 catchment partnerships supporting local water quality management and river restoration projects. For example, these partnerships work with the Environment Agency on measures for statutory river basin management plans. The government has doubled funding for catchment partnerships to strengthen local capacity to deliver effective catchment planning.

Food and Rural Affairs, how many recorded sewage discharge incidents into (a) the river Thames and (b) any other waterways in Essex that have occurred in each of the last five years; and what steps his Department is taking to reduce such incidents.

The Environment Agency (EA) received 635 reports of sewage pollution in Essex and 330 reports for the River Thames originating from water companies and private sewage treatment facilities in the last five years. The EA has strengthened its regulation of the water industry by recruiting additional specialist officers and has increased inspections of water company wastewater assets. The EA is on track to deliver 10,000 inspections nationally this year. Since April 2025, over 2,400 inspections have been completed across Thames Water and Anglian Water assets. Any permit breaches identified are assessed and serious permit breaches investigated and enforced against in line with the EA’s Enforcement and Sanctions Policy.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of trends in levels of in fly-tipping incidents over the last five years.

Defra publish fly-tipping statistics for England annually. A detailed breakdown of the latest incidents reported by local authorities is available at: Fly-tipping statistics for England, 2024 to 2025 - GOV.UK This statistical notice provides statistics on fly-tipping incidents recorded by local authorities in England, for April 2024 to March 2025. It covers trends in the number of fly-tipping incidents, including over the last five years, with a breakdown by land type, waste type and size. It also covers enforcement and prosecution actions undertaken for fly-tipping incidents. It excludes the large-scale incidents dealt with by the Environment Agency and the majority of private-land incidents.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the maximum penalties available for fly-tipping offences.

The Secretary of State has not made a recent assessment. Local authorities have powers to take enforcement action against offenders. Anyone caught fly-tipping may be prosecuted which can lead to a significant fine, a community sentence or even imprisonment. Instead of prosecuting, local authorities can choose to issue a fixed penalty notice (on-the-spot fine) of up to £1,000 to fly-tippers and £600 to householders who pass their waste to an unlicensed waste carrier. Sentencing is a matter for the independent courts. When deciding what sentence to impose, the court will take into account the circumstances of the offence in line with the guidelines issued by the independent Sentencing Council.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to increase levels of enforcement action against individuals responsible for fly-tipping.

Local authorities have powers to take enforcement action against offenders. Anyone caught fly-tipping may be prosecuted which can lead to a significant fine, a community sentence or even imprisonment. We encourage and support councils to make good use of their enforcement powers. For example, we are seeking powers in the Crime and Policing Bill to provide statutory fly-tipping enforcement guidance to support councils to consistently, appropriately and effectively exercise these existing powers. Following a review of council powers to seize and crush vehicles of suspected fly-tippers, we have issued best practice guidance on the website on the National Fly-Tipping Prevention Group. This will support councils to make better use of their power to seize vehicles of suspected fly-tippers and action that could lead to selling or destroying the vehicle.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has met with Surfers Against Sewage to discuss the impact of pollution in waterways and the sea.

The Department values the important contribution made by environmental campaigners and non-governmental organisations such as Surfers Against Sewage. Ministers and officials remain in regular contact with stakeholders, including Surfers Against Sewage, as we take forward measures to improve the water environment.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the water quality of the River Thames along the South Essex shoreline.

The Environment Agency is working with Water Companies on WINEP schemes in your constituency, including three investigations due for completion in 2027 and six projects to install monitors at sewage treatment works.

Food and Rural Affairs, how many and what proportion of staff in her Department have (a) office-based, (b) hybrid and (c) remote-working contracts.

As of 31 January 2026, a total of 825 out of 6,346 Defra payroll employees are recorded as “Home Based”, equating to 13%. Contractual homeworking is generally granted only in exceptional circumstances, such as where it is required for the role or as a reasonable adjustment, and each case is considered individually.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether overseas tourism activities involving animals are currently being considered for inclusion within the Activity Regulations under the Animals (Low Welfare Activities Abroad) Act 2023.

The Animals (Low Welfare Activities Abroad) Act 2023 provides a framework for the introduction of future bans on the advertising and offering for sale, in England and Northern Ireland, of low-welfare animal activities abroad. The Act grants enforcement powers to Trading Standards in England and the Department for the Economy for Northern Ireland to monitor compliance of future regulations. It is important that any regulations are effective and work in practice, and as set out in the animal welfare strategy published in December 2025, we are continuing to engage with stakeholders including the tourism industry and animal welfare groups to explore both legislative and non-legislative options to stop the advertising of low-welfare animal activities abroad and will be setting out next steps in due course.

Food and Rural Affairs, what enforcement mechanisms will be used to ensure compliance with the Animals (Low Welfare Activities Abroad) Act 2023 once the Activity Regulations are in force.

The Animals (Low Welfare Activities Abroad) Act 2023 provides a framework for the introduction of future bans on the advertising and offering for sale, in England and Northern Ireland, of low-welfare animal activities abroad. The Act grants enforcement powers to Trading Standards in England and the Department for the Economy for Northern Ireland to monitor compliance of future regulations. It is important that any regulations are effective and work in practice, and as set out in the animal welfare strategy published in December 2025, we are continuing to engage with stakeholders including the tourism industry and animal welfare groups to explore both legislative and non-legislative options to stop the advertising of low-welfare animal activities abroad and will be setting out next steps in due course.

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on the regulation of travel companies advertising overseas animal tourism activities that involve low welfare standards.

The Secretary of State has regular discussions with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on a range of issues. As set out in the animal welfare strategy, published in December 2025, we are continuing to engage with stakeholders to explore both legislative and non-legislative options to stop the advertising of low-welfare animal activities abroad.

Food and Rural Affairs, what engagement her Department has had with animal protection organisations on the development of activity regulations under the Animals (Low Welfare Activities Abroad) Act 2023, including the extent to which those organisations’ recommendations have informed policy development.

The Animals (Low Welfare Activities Abroad) Act 2023 provides a framework for the introduction of future bans on the advertising and offering for sale, in England and Northern Ireland, of low-welfare animal activities abroad. The Act grants enforcement powers to Trading Standards in England and the Department for the Economy for Northern Ireland to monitor compliance of future regulations. It is important that any regulations are effective and work in practice, and as set out in the animal welfare strategy published in December 2025, we are continuing to engage with stakeholders including the tourism industry and animal welfare groups to explore both legislative and non-legislative options to stop the advertising of low-welfare animal activities abroad and will be setting out next steps in due course.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled UK leads global efforts to help communities save the ocean and beat poverty, published on 26 January 2026, what proportion of projects funded under the second round of the Ocean Community Empowerment and Nature Grants Programme are led by (a) women and (b) women’s organisations.

All applications to the OCEAN Grants Programme are assessed against publicly available Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) assessment criteria. This assessment is conducted by an external Expert Committee and a GEDSI specialist to ensure applications demonstrate how they will mainstream GEDSI through the project lifecycle. Progress is routinely monitored. In Round Two, 100% of projects were identified as mainstreaming GEDSI and designed to explicitly benefit women and girls. Approximately 30% of projects are led by a woman Project Leader, and one project is led by a women’s-rights, women-led organisation in Bangladesh.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled UK leads global efforts to help communities save the ocean and beat poverty, published on 26 January 2026, what steps her Department is taking to monitor the delivery of proposed environmental benefits from the Ocean Community Empowerment and Nature Grants Programme.

All recipients of OCEAN Grants are required to agree outcomes and to monitor and report on progress including of proposed environmental benefits, throughout the grant lifecycle. During the application phase, proposed outcomes and the indicators used to measure progress are agreed and assessed by an external Expert Committee. An independent evaluation of the programme is planned and will provide further evidence on progress towards agreed outcomes and overall impact.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled UK leads global efforts to help communities save the ocean and beat poverty, published on 26 January 2026, how much funding has been allocated to each project awarded grants under the second round of the OCEAN Grants Programme.

The following projects have been funded under Round Two of the OCEAN Grants Programme. Funding comes from Defra’s Official Development Assistance budget and is projected to be spent between January 2026 and March 2029. The Round Two projects with signed grant agreements have been awarded the following amounts: Empowering traditional micro-retailers as refill stations to reduce plastic pollution, Indonesia: £93,155Eco Kolek, The Philippines: £249,973Solar-Powered Coastal Recycling Hubs: Transforming Plastic Waste into Construction Materials, The Philippines: £93,632Climate-smart initiatives for sustainable Coastal youth and women livelihoods, Tanzania: £95,000Iluminar el Mar, Ecuador: Reducing bycatch in Ecuador's Artisanal Gillnet Fishery: £150,000Empowering Coastal Communities Towards Inclusive Management of Ghana’s First MPA, Ghana: £250,000Mangrove restoration empowering women fisherfolks cooperatives in Sundarbans, Bangladesh: £243,073Blue Hispaniola: Protecting Coastal Ecosystems of the Northern Haitian-Dominican Corridor, Haiti and Dominican Republic: £2,999,192Scaling Community-based Resource Management through GEDSI-Empowering Information, Learning and Action, Fiji, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea: £2,989,340 A final list of projects will be available on the OCEAN website in due course.