Written questions by Farron.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether all existing environmental permits issued to sewerage undertakers under the Environment Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 require those companies to fulfil their legal obligations in relation to sewage (a) treatment and (b) disposal.

Yes, all environmental permits issued to sewerage undertakers under the Environment Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 require companies to fulfil their legal obligations regarding both the treatment and disposal of sewage. These permits set out strict conditions designed to protect human health and the environment, including requirements to ensure the proper treatment of sewage before it is discharged into watercourses or the ground. The Environment Agency will take action against non-compliance. We will not let companies get away with illegal activity and where breaches are found, we will not hesitate to hold companies to account.

Food and Rural Affairs, when a water company licence was last revoked; and how many water company licences have been revoked.

Ofwat as the independent regulator monitors the performance of water companies and adherence to the conditions of company licences. Ofwat cannot unilaterally revoke an undertaker's licence but is able to replace an existing undertaker in certain scenarios. For example, if the statutory grounds in section 24 of the Water Industry Act 1991 are met, special administration can also be used to transfer the company to new owners. Under the Conservatives, there has been no revocation of a water company licence. The new Government is in the process of resetting relations with water companies.

Food and Rural Affairs, what information his Department holds on how frequently the Environment Agency reviews environmental permits issued to sewerage undertakers under the Environment Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.

The Environment Agency (EA) periodically reviews environmental permits issued to sewerage undertakers under the Environment Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 to ensure they remain effective and fit for purpose. There is no set frequency for reviewing all permits. The EA undertakes reviews in response to specific triggers, such as new environmental legislation, updated water quality standards, or significant operational changes at sewage treatment facilities. In addition, the EA conducts routine compliance checks and inspections of sewerage undertakers to assess their adherence to permit conditions. These checks may lead to further review or variation of a permit if necessary to improve environmental protections. The EA will take action against non-compliance. We will not let companies get away with illegal activity and where breaches are found, we will not hesitate to hold companies to account.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to his Department's publication entitled Advice on lead paint in older homes, published on 1 April 2013 and withdrawn on 26 April 2024, for what reason it was withdrawn as out of date; and whether he plans to publish an up to date version.

The referenced publication was removed as it was out-of-date.