Written questions by Wrigley.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to his Interim statement on the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) rapid review, published on 30 January 2025, what steps he is taking to improve (a) environmental data and (b) indicators of change in the natural environment.

Defra’s Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment Programme (NCEA) is delivering a nationwide survey of England’s land, freshwater assets and coast; mapping the location, extent, and condition of our ecosystems. The outputs of the programme will improve environmental data and metrics, fill in evidence gaps and enable a ‘whole system’ picture of the state of our natural environment, providing a more complete view of nature at both a regional and national level. Our Outcome Indicator Framework (OIF) presents an authoritative way to measure changes to our environment. It collates a comprehensive suite of measures, including data from the NCEA, which collectively describe environmental change. The OIF is continuously improved, bringing in new data sources or indicators where better data becomes available. For example, the indicator on concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air was updated this year with a new metric that more accurately reflects both the indicator and the target being measured.

Food and Rural Affairs, what is the timeline for local authorities to incorporate biodiversity targets into their local plans.

Public authorities play an important role in improving nature. The strengthened biodiversity duty came into force in 1 January 2023 and requires public authorities to consider how they can improve biodiversity through the exercise of their existing functions. Public authorities must also regard Local Nature Recovery Strategies, Species Conservation Strategies and Protected Site Strategies in complying with the duty. All public authorities are required to consider actions they can take to comply with the biodiversity duty before 1 January 2024. After this, public authorities must reconsider their actions within five years of their previous consideration. All local authorities and local planning authorities must report on the actions they have taken in accordance with the biodiversity duty by 1 January 2026, and then at least every 5 years. Defra does not intend to extend the reporting duty to additional public authorities.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to introduce legally binding biodiversity targets beyond those in the Environment Act 2021.

There are no plans to introduce legally binding biodiversity targets beyond those in the Environment Act 2021.This Government is committed to delivering the 13 legally binding environmental targets set under the Environment Act 2021, which include water, biodiversity, resource efficiency, marine protected areas, and tree and woodland cover.The Government commissioned a rapid review of the existing Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP23) to ensure the right policies are in place to deliver our targets. A statement of the rapid review’s key findings was published in January 2025. Later in 2025, we will publish a revised EIP, setting out important delivery information for the ambitious Environment Act targets.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to balance (a) public and (b) private sector responsibilities in achieving net-zero targets.

Both the public and private sector will play a key role in achieving net zero targets. Private investment will be crucial to delivering net zero, building climate resilience and supporting nature’s recovery.This government is committed to building a robust and stable policy framework so that all parties – from farmers and land managers delivering improvements on the ground, to businesses and investors financing high quality projects – can do so with confidence. We are working at pace with the private sector to help farmers transition to greener practices, establish a taskforce to plant millions of trees to help remove carbon from the air and move towards a circular economy to reduce our demand for raw materials that destroy the environment. To take this forward, a Taskforce has been established comprising members from industry, academia, and civil society, to lead the development of a Circular Economy Strategy At the last budget in 2024, the Government secured the largest budget for sustainable food production in our country’s history, with £5 billion committed in the farming budget over a two-year period. The Environmental Land management schemes (ELM) are critical to supporting farming and landowners in their low-carbon practices. There is now a record 50,000 farm businesses in ELM schemes and more than half of all farmed land is now managed under schemes.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 4 March 2025 to Question 33098 on Agriculture: Climate Change, what recent discussions he has had with the (a) Joint Nature Conservation Committee, (b) Committee on Climate Change and (c) Special representative for Nature on improving collaboration.

Defra continues to work with the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) and the Special Representative for Nature (SREP) to facilitate closer relationships for the benefit of climate and nature and build an effective engagement framework that will enhance integration.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 7 April 2025 to Question 36242 on Animals: Import Controls, if he will engage with Shaldon Zoo on changes following the UK-EU deal.

An SPS Agreement will establish a UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Zone aimed at reducing trade barriers and facilitating the safe and efficient movement of terrestrial and aquatic zoo animals. Our ambition is to reach an agreement that reduces administrative burden by streamlining SPS checks and certification, while upholding the UK’s commitment to ensure its biosecurity is protected within this future framework. Defra remains committed to engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, as we seek to secure the best possible outcome.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help tackle agricultural pollution in rivers; and if he will take steps to launch a review into this issue.

Cleaning up our rivers, lakes and seas is a priority for the Government. We are working with farmers to reduce agricultural pollution is key to delivering against this priority. Under the Environment Act 2021, a legally binding target was set to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment from agriculture entering the water environment by 40% by 2038. We have completed the rapid review of the Environmental Improvement Plan. The Government will develop a revised Environmental Improvement plan to protect and restore our natural environment, supported by delivery plans to meet each of our ambitious Environment Act targets. This includes cleaning up our waterways. We are taking action to tackle agricultural pollution and deliver the Environment Act target through a suite of proportionate and effective regulations, advice and incentives.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to help reduce the number of abandoned caravans in Devon.

The Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978 places a duty on councils to remove vehicles that are abandoned on land in the open air or on roads. The definition of vehicle within the act includes trailers designed to be towed behind vehicles. This would include caravans. This duty applies on private land and private roads. Councils can take enforcement action against people who abandon vehicles by issuing a fixed penalty notice or prosecuting them. It is for councils to determine whether any particular vehicle has been abandoned, and whether it is subject to their duty to remove it. The Government has published guidance for councils on abandoned vehicles at: Abandoned vehicles: local authority responsibilities - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Food and Rural Affairs, what progress his Department has made on enforcing the mandatory adoption of sustainable drainage schemes (SuDS) through Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.

This Government is strongly committed to requiring standardised SuDS in new developments. These should be to designs that cope with changing climatic conditions as well as delivering wider water infrastructure benefits, reduce run off and help to improve water quality, amenity, and biodiversity. It is also important to ensure appropriate adoption and maintenance arrangements are in place. We believe that these outcomes can be achieved through either improving the current planning led approach using powers now available or commencing Schedule 3 to the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. A final decision on the way forward will be made in the coming months. The Government is committed to bring the injustice of ‘fleecehold’ private estates to an end.  We will consult this year on the on the best way to achieve this and we will include options to reduce the prevalence of private management of these estates.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to ensure that costs incurred by the Government for water companies entering special administration are recovered from that company's creditors.

Ministers and officials have regular discussions with a range of stakeholders, and representatives, on various issues, including issues related to the water sector in England. As part of our Plan for Change, we have delivered on our promise to put water companies under special measures through our landmark Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 (WSMA). In addition to providing the regulators with the most significant increase in enforcement powers in a decade, the WSMA also introduces new reporting requirements to improve transparency around water company operations. This includes:Requiring Ofwat to ensure companies produce an accessible, concise and intelligible overview of their financial position annually on their website.Requiring water companies to produce annual Pollution Incident Reduction Plans, which will set out the steps water companies are taking to reduce the severity and frequency of pollution incidents, and Implementation Reports, which will set out the progress water companies have made in implementing these steps. Ofwat, as the independent economic regulator for the water and sewerage industry in England and Wales, has a duty to ensure water companies comply with their statutory obligations and are adequately financed. This includes both environmental and financial obligations.Where Ofwat assesses companies have failed to meet their statutory or licence obligations, Ofwat have the power to take enforcement action, through an enforcement order or financial penalty (up to 10% of a company’s annual turnover). We have overseen the launch of an Independent Commission into the water sector and its regulation, in what is expected to form the largest review of the industry since privatisation. The Independent Commission will review the roles and responsibilities of the water industry regulators; once the Commission has made recommendations to the UK and Welsh governments, both will respond and consult on proposals, including potential legislation. A Special Administration Regime (SAR) enables a company which provides vital public services (e.g. water, energy, rail) to be put into administration in certain circumstances, to ensure that the public service will continue to be provided pending rescue (via a means such as debt restructuring) or transfer (via a sale) to new owners. A water company in special administration would be subject to the same regulations as the rest of the sector. This includes following its statutory and environmental obligations. We expect that following the conclusion of a SAR Government would recoup the funds it had spent financing it through the sale of the water company, with Government funding provided during a SAR taking priority for repayment before most other creditors. On reporting during an administration, Ofwat monitors the financial position of all water companies and takes action to enable water companies and their investors to strengthen their long-term financial resilience within the context of their licence and broader statutory obligations. Within a SAR a company would to be subject to the same regulatory requirements, and annual account publication requirements as any other water company. The company’s performance will also continue to be monitored and published by Ofwat and the Environment Agency.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will review the conditions on which water companies' licences are renewed where there is repeated (a) pollution or (b) non-compliance.

Where companies have failed to meet their statutory or licence obligations, Ofwat have the power to take action through an enforcement order or financial penalty. This Government will continue to work with water sector regulators to hold water companies to account on poor performance and drive improvements for customers and environment. The Independent Water Commission, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, will make recommendations to shape further action to transform how our water system works.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of Ofwat's powers to enforce compliance with (a) environmental and (b) financial regulations by water companies.

Ministers and officials have regular discussions with a range of stakeholders, and representatives, on various issues, including issues related to the water sector in England. As part of our Plan for Change, we have delivered on our promise to put water companies under special measures through our landmark Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 (WSMA). In addition to providing the regulators with the most significant increase in enforcement powers in a decade, the WSMA also introduces new reporting requirements to improve transparency around water company operations. This includes:Requiring Ofwat to ensure companies produce an accessible, concise and intelligible overview of their financial position annually on their website.Requiring water companies to produce annual Pollution Incident Reduction Plans, which will set out the steps water companies are taking to reduce the severity and frequency of pollution incidents, and Implementation Reports, which will set out the progress water companies have made in implementing these steps. Ofwat, as the independent economic regulator for the water and sewerage industry in England and Wales, has a duty to ensure water companies comply with their statutory obligations and are adequately financed. This includes both environmental and financial obligations.Where Ofwat assesses companies have failed to meet their statutory or licence obligations, Ofwat have the power to take enforcement action, through an enforcement order or financial penalty (up to 10% of a company’s annual turnover). We have overseen the launch of an Independent Commission into the water sector and its regulation, in what is expected to form the largest review of the industry since privatisation. The Independent Commission will review the roles and responsibilities of the water industry regulators; once the Commission has made recommendations to the UK and Welsh governments, both will respond and consult on proposals, including potential legislation. A Special Administration Regime (SAR) enables a company which provides vital public services (e.g. water, energy, rail) to be put into administration in certain circumstances, to ensure that the public service will continue to be provided pending rescue (via a means such as debt restructuring) or transfer (via a sale) to new owners. A water company in special administration would be subject to the same regulations as the rest of the sector. This includes following its statutory and environmental obligations. We expect that following the conclusion of a SAR Government would recoup the funds it had spent financing it through the sale of the water company, with Government funding provided during a SAR taking priority for repayment before most other creditors. On reporting during an administration, Ofwat monitors the financial position of all water companies and takes action to enable water companies and their investors to strengthen their long-term financial resilience within the context of their licence and broader statutory obligations. Within a SAR a company would to be subject to the same regulatory requirements, and annual account publication requirements as any other water company. The company’s performance will also continue to be monitored and published by Ofwat and the Environment Agency.

Food and Rural Affairs, how many meetings officials in his Department have held with (a) investor groups, (b) asset managers and (c) shareholder representatives with interests in UK water companies since July 2024.

Ministers and officials have regular discussions with a range of stakeholders, and representatives, on various issues, including issues related to the water sector in England. As part of our Plan for Change, we have delivered on our promise to put water companies under special measures through our landmark Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 (WSMA). In addition to providing the regulators with the most significant increase in enforcement powers in a decade, the WSMA also introduces new reporting requirements to improve transparency around water company operations. This includes:Requiring Ofwat to ensure companies produce an accessible, concise and intelligible overview of their financial position annually on their website.Requiring water companies to produce annual Pollution Incident Reduction Plans, which will set out the steps water companies are taking to reduce the severity and frequency of pollution incidents, and Implementation Reports, which will set out the progress water companies have made in implementing these steps. Ofwat, as the independent economic regulator for the water and sewerage industry in England and Wales, has a duty to ensure water companies comply with their statutory obligations and are adequately financed. This includes both environmental and financial obligations.Where Ofwat assesses companies have failed to meet their statutory or licence obligations, Ofwat have the power to take enforcement action, through an enforcement order or financial penalty (up to 10% of a company’s annual turnover). We have overseen the launch of an Independent Commission into the water sector and its regulation, in what is expected to form the largest review of the industry since privatisation. The Independent Commission will review the roles and responsibilities of the water industry regulators; once the Commission has made recommendations to the UK and Welsh governments, both will respond and consult on proposals, including potential legislation. A Special Administration Regime (SAR) enables a company which provides vital public services (e.g. water, energy, rail) to be put into administration in certain circumstances, to ensure that the public service will continue to be provided pending rescue (via a means such as debt restructuring) or transfer (via a sale) to new owners. A water company in special administration would be subject to the same regulations as the rest of the sector. This includes following its statutory and environmental obligations. We expect that following the conclusion of a SAR Government would recoup the funds it had spent financing it through the sale of the water company, with Government funding provided during a SAR taking priority for repayment before most other creditors. On reporting during an administration, Ofwat monitors the financial position of all water companies and takes action to enable water companies and their investors to strengthen their long-term financial resilience within the context of their licence and broader statutory obligations. Within a SAR a company would to be subject to the same regulatory requirements, and annual account publication requirements as any other water company. The company’s performance will also continue to be monitored and published by Ofwat and the Environment Agency.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will require additional public reporting from water companies placed into (a) special measures or (b) special administration.

Ministers and officials have regular discussions with a range of stakeholders, and representatives, on various issues, including issues related to the water sector in England. As part of our Plan for Change, we have delivered on our promise to put water companies under special measures through our landmark Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 (WSMA). In addition to providing the regulators with the most significant increase in enforcement powers in a decade, the WSMA also introduces new reporting requirements to improve transparency around water company operations. This includes:Requiring Ofwat to ensure companies produce an accessible, concise and intelligible overview of their financial position annually on their website.Requiring water companies to produce annual Pollution Incident Reduction Plans, which will set out the steps water companies are taking to reduce the severity and frequency of pollution incidents, and Implementation Reports, which will set out the progress water companies have made in implementing these steps. Ofwat, as the independent economic regulator for the water and sewerage industry in England and Wales, has a duty to ensure water companies comply with their statutory obligations and are adequately financed. This includes both environmental and financial obligations.Where Ofwat assesses companies have failed to meet their statutory or licence obligations, Ofwat have the power to take enforcement action, through an enforcement order or financial penalty (up to 10% of a company’s annual turnover). We have overseen the launch of an Independent Commission into the water sector and its regulation, in what is expected to form the largest review of the industry since privatisation. The Independent Commission will review the roles and responsibilities of the water industry regulators; once the Commission has made recommendations to the UK and Welsh governments, both will respond and consult on proposals, including potential legislation. A Special Administration Regime (SAR) enables a company which provides vital public services (e.g. water, energy, rail) to be put into administration in certain circumstances, to ensure that the public service will continue to be provided pending rescue (via a means such as debt restructuring) or transfer (via a sale) to new owners. A water company in special administration would be subject to the same regulations as the rest of the sector. This includes following its statutory and environmental obligations. We expect that following the conclusion of a SAR Government would recoup the funds it had spent financing it through the sale of the water company, with Government funding provided during a SAR taking priority for repayment before most other creditors. On reporting during an administration, Ofwat monitors the financial position of all water companies and takes action to enable water companies and their investors to strengthen their long-term financial resilience within the context of their licence and broader statutory obligations. Within a SAR a company would to be subject to the same regulatory requirements, and annual account publication requirements as any other water company. The company’s performance will also continue to be monitored and published by Ofwat and the Environment Agency.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will introduce a statutory obligation for water companies in special measures to prioritise environmental repair in their restructuring plans.

Ministers and officials have regular discussions with a range of stakeholders, and representatives, on various issues, including issues related to the water sector in England. As part of our Plan for Change, we have delivered on our promise to put water companies under special measures through our landmark Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 (WSMA). In addition to providing the regulators with the most significant increase in enforcement powers in a decade, the WSMA also introduces new reporting requirements to improve transparency around water company operations. This includes:Requiring Ofwat to ensure companies produce an accessible, concise and intelligible overview of their financial position annually on their website.Requiring water companies to produce annual Pollution Incident Reduction Plans, which will set out the steps water companies are taking to reduce the severity and frequency of pollution incidents, and Implementation Reports, which will set out the progress water companies have made in implementing these steps. Ofwat, as the independent economic regulator for the water and sewerage industry in England and Wales, has a duty to ensure water companies comply with their statutory obligations and are adequately financed. This includes both environmental and financial obligations.Where Ofwat assesses companies have failed to meet their statutory or licence obligations, Ofwat have the power to take enforcement action, through an enforcement order or financial penalty (up to 10% of a company’s annual turnover). We have overseen the launch of an Independent Commission into the water sector and its regulation, in what is expected to form the largest review of the industry since privatisation. The Independent Commission will review the roles and responsibilities of the water industry regulators; once the Commission has made recommendations to the UK and Welsh governments, both will respond and consult on proposals, including potential legislation. A Special Administration Regime (SAR) enables a company which provides vital public services (e.g. water, energy, rail) to be put into administration in certain circumstances, to ensure that the public service will continue to be provided pending rescue (via a means such as debt restructuring) or transfer (via a sale) to new owners. A water company in special administration would be subject to the same regulations as the rest of the sector. This includes following its statutory and environmental obligations. We expect that following the conclusion of a SAR Government would recoup the funds it had spent financing it through the sale of the water company, with Government funding provided during a SAR taking priority for repayment before most other creditors. On reporting during an administration, Ofwat monitors the financial position of all water companies and takes action to enable water companies and their investors to strengthen their long-term financial resilience within the context of their licence and broader statutory obligations. Within a SAR a company would to be subject to the same regulatory requirements, and annual account publication requirements as any other water company. The company’s performance will also continue to be monitored and published by Ofwat and the Environment Agency.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to help protect beaches between the mouth of the River Exe and mouth of the River Dart.

The Environment Agency (EA) has recruited two new Water Industry Regulation teams who are increasing regulation of water company sites in Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, undertaking more compliance checks (including unannounced inspections), translating storm overflow monitoring data into regulatory intelligence, and increasing enforcement actions for pollution incidents under the Enforcement and Sanctions policy. Inspection locations are prioritised according to environmental sensitivity, such as sites impacting bathing waters, and where EDM data is showing spills are higher than they should be. The Environment Agency increased inspections in 2024-25 and will more than double these in 2025-2026. This includes water company assets in Newton Abbot constituency. It will also attend more incidents. The EA has also increased the number of farm inspections they are able to deliver and are helping to support the transition to a more sustainable and healthy farming industry. In Devon and Cornwall, dedicated farm inspection officers are currently inspecting farms and undertaking enforcement action in the highest priority catchments including the River Otter and Exe.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 29 April 2025 to Question 46277 on Forests: Commodities, what his planned timetable is to set out plans for tackling deforestation.

The Government recognises the need to take action to ensure that UK consumption of forest risk commodities is not driving deforestation and we will set out our approach to addressing this in due course.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the Circular Economy Taskforce on reducing waste in his Department.

On 27 March, the Secretary of State gave a speech on circular economy to leading industry practitioners, in which he announced that the Government’s upcoming Circular Economy Strategy for England will focus first on five priority sectors: agrifood; built environment; chemicals and plastics; textiles; and transport. The Taskforce has already begun extensive engagement with industry leaders, trade associations, and other key stakeholders to ensure that the Strategy reflects the needs and insights of all involved. The Taskforce works closely with officials across its areas of interest, including waste reduction, who provide regular advice to Ministers on the Taskforce’s work and progress.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to support the repair and re-use economy.

This Government committed in its manifesto to reducing waste by moving to a Circular Economy. Defra recognises that repair and re-use are fundamental tenets of any circular economy, and a successful circular transition will deliver increased supply chain resilience, economic productivity, and economic growth. As we develop our Circular Economy Strategy for England, we will consider the evidence for action from right across the economy and evaluate what interventions may be needed. Defra has published guidance on how businesses can use the waste hierarchy, which is a framework for dealing with waste, which promotes re-use. The guidance shows how it works for a range of common materials and products and what businesses and public bodies need to do. It gives top priority to preventing waste in the first place. When waste is created, it gives priority to preparing it for re-use, then recycling, then recovery, and last of all disposal (e.g. landfill).

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to reduce sewage discharges at Dawlish Town.

For too long, water companies have discharged unacceptable levels of sewage into our rivers, lakes and seas. That is why we are placing water companies under special measures through the Water (Special Measures) Act. The Act will drive meaningful improvements in the performance and culture of the water industry as a first important step in enabling wider, transformative change across the water sector. The Independent Water Commission, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, will make recommendations to shape further action to transform how our water system works and clean up our waterways for good. A public Call for Evidence closed on 23 April, with all interested parties invited to share their views. The review's final recommendations will be published and shared with the UK and Welsh Governments this summer. As part of Price Review 2024 (PR24), which runs from 2025–2030, water companies will be delivering record levels of investment. This includes South West Water delivering £764 million of investment to reduce storm overflow spills, including improvements at 10 storm overflows in Dawlish Town and Dawlish Coryton Cove and 5 storm overflows in Shaldon which are being improved to the maximum 2 spills per season standard. We encourage the public to report pollution via our incident hotline, by calling 0800 80 70 60 at any time.