theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_810
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_810

Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of revising the compensation scheme for electricity consumers to include compensation for the inconvenience caused by power cuts of shorter duration where these occur repeatedly. \p Michael Shanks: The Government expects energy companies to deliver the best support to customers. Ofgem monitors and enforces the Guaranteed Standards of Performance. Ofgem also regularly reviews and updates their compensation arrangements. The most recent changes were made following the Storm Arwen Review which came into effect on 1 September 2023 and enable higher levels of compensation at more regular intervals. Ofgem regulates Distribution Network Operators through a price control process, which includes incentives to reduce the frequency and duration of power interruptions. For the next price control period (2028–2033), Ofgem is reviewing whether amendments are required to minimise repeated or prolonged interruptions.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether appointments to the National Energy Systems Operator will be included in the Public Bodies Order in Council; whether the Chair appointment will be classified as a Significant Appointment. \p Michael Shanks: As the Shareholder of the National Energy System Operator (NESO) the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero appoints the Chair of NESO's Board. This appointment is subject to the Public Appointments Order in Council and as such must comply with the Governance code on Public Appointments. The appointment of NESO’s Chair was also considered a Significant Appointment and therefore involved a Senior Independent Panel Member.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, for what purposes their Department has used artificial intelligence in the last year. \p Michael Shanks: The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has made use of artificial intelligence (AI) over the past year for a range of purposes including:

AI is used in accordance with all relevant departmental and government guidelines, to ensure responsible and ethical use and data protection.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_813

Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what components of wind turbines are (a) supplied and (b) manufactured in the UK. \p Michael Shanks: The Offshore Wind Regional Growth Prospectuses set out a range of current manufacturing and services capabilities in the UK, as well as growth opportunities, including in blade, foundation and cable manufacture; secondary steel components; cable installation; operations and maintenance activity; and environmental services. New facilities in development include cable manufacturing in Nigg and Blyth, and monopile construction in Teesside.

Data collected via the Onshore Wind Taskforce indicates that UK content in domestic onshore windfarms can be between 50 and 70 percent, with high shares of jobs and investment in development, operations and maintenance, civil engineering and electrical works.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Kirsty Blackman:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answers of 13 June 2025 to Questions (a) 57249, (b) 57250 and (c) 57251, how many departmental roles are based in Aberdeen; what additional roles are planned for the city following the establishment of the UK Energy Campus; and what his planned timeline is for establishing the Campus. \p Michael Shanks: As of July 2025, there were 100 staff members based in Aberdeen, comprising a wide variety of roles within the department.

The development of the Aberdeen Energy Campus is in its initial stages. In line with the Cabinet Office Thematic Campus principles, we are looking to determine the most appropriate model for the location, working closely with other government departments and arms-length bodies. Additionally, departmental workforce strategy and business planning outcomes will play a significant role in shaping and influencing this process.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Andrew Bowie:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with the North Sea Transition Authority on Shell and ExxonMobil’s divestments in the North Sea. \p Michael Shanks: Details of Ministers’ meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Andrew Bowie:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with the North Sea Transition Authority on the purchase of eleven Shell-operated gas fields by Viaro Energy in the Southern North Sea. \p Michael Shanks: Details of Ministers’ meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_817

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of requiring tariff payments for electricity exported to the grid from solar panels to be backdated to the commissioning date of the installation, rather than the date of Distributor Network Operator approval. \p Michael Shanks: Backdating payments made under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) to an installation’s commissioning date is not permitted, as exports cannot be accurately measured until an export Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) is in place. An MPAN can only be issued once the District Network Operator (DNO) has approved an installation, confirming it meets adequate technical and safety standards.

This process ensures electricity exports are correctly settled and attributed while safeguarding both the installation and the network.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether the National Grid is under a (a) statutory and (b) regulatory obligation to process solar panel installation applications within a specified timeframe. \p Michael Shanks: For solar installations of 3.68kW per phase, or below, no application is required. The Distribution Network Operator (DNO) must only be notified within 30 days of the installation. For larger projects, DNOs are required to provide a connection offer within 45-65 working days, depending on the size of the installation. Customers are entitled to compensation should these deadlines be missed.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Ian Roome:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with the National Energy System Operator on the proposed publication date for the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan. \p Michael Shanks: The methodology for the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) was formally approved in May 2025 by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, together with Ofgem. It establishes a publication timeframe of Q4 2026 for the SSEP.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Bobby Dean:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department plans to produce an integrated legislative plan to help reach (a) climate and (b) nature targets. \p Michael Shanks: This Government is committed to tackling the climate and nature crises and has a well-developed legislative framework in place through the Climate Change Act 2008 and the Environment Act 2021. In July 2025, the DESNZ and Defra Secretaries of State held the first Climate and Nature Statement in Parliament. Our focus is on making rapid progress towards our climate and nature targets, which will be set out later this year in the Environmental Improvement Plan and an updated plan for meeting carbon budgets.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Bobby Dean:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when his Department plans to introduce (a) an annual Climate and Nature Statement to Parliament, (b) legislation to ratify the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement, (c) development of a UK carbon border adjustment mechanism and (d) publication of a Net Zero Public Participation Strategy. \p Michael Shanks: The Climate and Nature Statement to Parliament took place on 14th July 2025 and is intended to be an annual statement. A Bill to enable ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement will be introduced by the end of the year. The UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will be introduced on 1 January 2027. The Net Zero Public Participation Strategy will be published later this year.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Sarah Edwards:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will review the potential impact of variation in (a) local authority biodiversity administration and (b) ecological requirements on the ability of SME housebuilders to (i) forecast costs and (ii) deliver housing. \p Mary Creagh: The recent consultation looked at a range of options to make it quicker, cheaper and easier for these businesses to deliver their BNG obligations, including small urban sites.

The recent consultation also looked at options for increasing flexibility for small developers to purchase off-site units, when BNG is not possible or viable to achieve on-site. Natural England maintains a national register of all off-site BNG land which continues to grow, increasing options and reducing costs for developers.

A Government response to the consultation will be published in due course.

We are also on improving the operation of BNG for local planning authorities and SME housebuilders. We will continue to keep the wider local authority biodiversity administration and ecological requirements on SME housebuilders through the planning system under review.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he has made an assessment of the adequacy of the diversions on the Thames path due to the closure of (a) Marsh Lock bridge and (b) Temple Footbridge. \p Emma Hardy: We recognise the importance of National Trails as crucial connectors, not only for visitors keen to complete the trails, but as valued community pathways supporting local businesses and residents.

We understand that the Thames Path National Trail Partnership are continuing to work with the Environment Agency, landowners and other partners to progress work at both locations to support the accessibility and safety of the trail.

Thames Path diversions are managed by the organisation responsible for the asset that has created the need for the diversion. Although the ownership for Marsh Lock Bridge is unclear, the Environment Agency led the diversion work relating to Marsh Lock Bridge and Temple Footbridge for which they are responsible. The Environment Agency sought advice from the Local Authority on the safest route available to the public using other existing highways and once agreed, the Local Authority issue a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order which authorises the diversion. Alternative viable diversion routes will be considered by the Environment Agency and the relevant Local Authority if they become available for use.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of his policies on recycling rates in (a) England and (b) Leicestershire. \p Mary Creagh: Simpler Recycling will ensure every household and workplace (businesses and relevant non-domestic premises like schools and hospitals) across England will be able to recycle the same materials in the following core waste streams: metal, glass, plastic (including cartons), paper and card, food waste, and garden waste (for households only).

The Collection and Packaging Reforms, which also include a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) and Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (pEPR), are estimated to increase the municipal recycling rate from around 42% to over 55.9% by 2035, mostly driven by Simpler Recycling and DRS. pEPR achieves further increases in packaging recycling rates of 2%. We do not have projected recycling rate increases for individual local authorities.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what proportion of post-consumer textiles collected in the UK is (a) processed domestically and (b) exported (i) in total and (ii) of material categorised as unsellable. \p Mary Creagh: While the department does not hold internal estimates on the proportion of post-consumer textiles processed domestically, exported, and respective proportions deemed unsellable, industry partners provide some insight. WRAP estimates that the UK generated approximately 1.453 million tonnes of post-consumer textiles in 2022. Of this,1.032m tonnes (71%) was processed or resold domestically, while 421,000 tonnes (29%) was exported. Of the 1.032m tonnes processed domestically, 276,000 tonnes (26.7%) was estimated to be resold to the UK public, and 759,000 tonnes (73.5%) was estimated to be sent to end of life (percentages do not sum to 100%. This is due to double counting where there is uncertainty). Of the 421,000 tonnes of exported post-consumer textiles, while the proportion categorised as unsellable is not disclosed, 99% were categorised as worn clothing, while 1% was categorised as rags.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Peter Lamb:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of a common sanitary and phytosanitary area with the EU on rules on the processing of waste from flights to the UK originating within the EU. \p Mary Creagh: We will agree a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement to make agrifood trade with our biggest market cheaper and easier, cutting costs and red tape for British producers and retailers. Details of the agreement remain subject to negotiation.

However, we expect that under the Agreement, catering waste from flights originating within the EU will no longer be classified as ‘international catering waste’, and therefore will be subject to a lesser degree of regulation in the future under the SPS Agreement.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Sarah Bool:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 11 June 2025 to Question 56079 on Agriculture: Land Use, what assessment he has made of the accuracy of the statistic that 50% of land with solar panels on is used for agricultural production. \p Mary Creagh: The statistics are estimates from the annual Defra June Survey of Agriculture and Horticulture, a representative large scale sample survey of Defra registered farms* from across the country. Indications of accuracy in the estimates of the area of land with solar panels used/not used for agricultural production are provided below and in the published dataset https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/agricultural-land-use-in-england.

2024 hectares

95% confidence interval

Relative Standard Error

Land for solar panels also used for grazing or agricultural production

3,620

+/- 1,192

>10 and <=20%

Land for solar panels not used for agricultural production

3,683

+/- 1,249

>10 and <=20%

The Relative Standard Error (RSE) is a measure of the variation in the data, expressed as a percentage of the estimated total. Low RSE’s indicate greater reliability in the figures. The 95% confidence interval indicates the likely range of the exact figure. The standard errors which underpin both the RSE’s and the 95% confidence intervals only give an indication of the sampling error and do not take into account any other sources of survey error such as non-response bias or data entry errors.

*Data only covers holdings which are registered with the Rural Payments Agency for payments or livestock purposes and have significant levels of farming activity. Holdings are only included if they have more than five hectares of agricultural land, one hectare of orchards, 0.5 hectares of vegetables or 0.1 hectares of protected crops, or more than 10 cows, 50 pigs, 20 sheep, 20 goats or 1,000 poultry.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 July 2025 to Question 64455 on Water Charges, whether households are able to opt-out of pilots on (a) rising block tariffs and progressive water metering and (b) seasonal water metering. \p Emma Hardy: The Government is committed to delivering for customers. Following the Independent Water Commission report, the Government will establish a new statutory water ombudsman - a single, free service to help customers resolve complaints such as incorrect bills. Additionally, the amount of compensation customers are legally entitled to when key standards are not met has been more than doubled. Further updates to the Guaranteed Standards Scheme are due to come into force in October.

Several water companies are currently trialling a range of charging approaches, such as seasonal tariffs and rising block tariffs. Through these trials the sector will learn how to best support customers with their water bills.

Companies are responsible for their own charges and for designing and running their trials to test new charging structures. Companies can design their trials in a range of ways within the good practice principles for charging trials outlined by Ofwat.

In designing their trials, companies are required to consult with the Consumer Council for Water to ensure that safeguards are in place to protect vulnerable consumers or exclude them from trials where appropriate.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Terry Jermy:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many vehicles were seized for waste crime offences in (a) South West Norfolk constituency and (b) Norfolk in each of the last five years. \p Mary Creagh: Local authorities in England are required to report fly-tipping incidents and enforcement actions, such as vehicle seizures, to Defra, which are published annually at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fly-tipping-in-england. This data isn't available at a constituency level and excludes the majority of private-land incidents.

The Environment Agency also has the power to seize vehicles suspected of being used in waste crime. The Environment Agency has not seized a vehicle in Norfolk or the South West Norfolk constituency since 2020.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Terry Jermy:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate he has made of the financial impact of waste crime on (a) England, (b) Norfolk and (c) South West Norfolk constituency in the last five years. \p Mary Creagh: It is estimated that waste crime costs the English economy about £1 billion per year and that 20% of waste in England, or 38 million tonnes per year is handled illegally. We do not have a further breakdown of these figures at county or constituency level.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Rachel Gilmour:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to tackle human health risks associated with spot on pet treatments containing (a) fipronil and (b) imidacloprid. \p Daniel Zeichner: Veterinary Medicinal Products (VMPs) undergo a thorough assessment by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) before they are authorised for marketing in the UK. This includes a product-specific user risk assessment that considers all those that may come into contact with the medicine, including adults and children. This assessment considers the identified hazards of the medicine, the likely exposure to adults and children when VMPs are used as recommended and concludes on the likely risks to humans. The identified risks are mitigated using appropriate packaging and user safety warnings on the product information supplied with the medicines. Once authorised for marketing, pharmacovigilance reporting provides further data from use of these medicines in real-world situations, and these data are used to consider any changes required to reduce identified risks, such as updating the user safety warnings. All VMPs are authorised based on a Benefit:Risk assessment, which accounts for the therapeutic benefits to the treated animals, the potential for reduction of zoonotic diseases in humans, and the possible risks identified to humans and animals. The benefits must outweigh the risks before a product can be authorised and may be removed from the market if shown that this is not the case after authorisation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Noah Law:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to prioritise the development of reservoir capacity in the South West as part of the Government’s water resilience strategy; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact of this on (a) households and (b) businesses in Cornwall. \p Emma Hardy: The Government remains committed to a twin track approach to improving water resilience. This involves urgent action to improve water efficiency and reduce water company leaks, alongside investing in new supply infrastructure, including new reservoirs and water transfers.

Water companies have a statutory duty to provide a secure supply of water for customers, efficiently and economically and they have recently set out how they plan to continue to supply water to their household and business customers through statutory Water Resources Management Plans. The Government will work with regulators to ensure the water companies’ plans are delivered.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_833

Lisa Smart:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help prevent excessive annual increases in household water bills in Hazel Grove constituency. \p Emma Hardy: Ofwat assesses affordability for each water company through a five-yearly Price Review process, in which water companies must detail in their business plans how they will address affordability. Ofwat’s price controls for Price Review 2024 set out that the average customer bill will increase by 36%, before inflation, over the next five years.

We understand the financial pressures hardworking families are currently facing and we are pushing the sector to ensure support is available. We expect water companies to put robust support in place for vulnerable customers and keep current affordability schemes under review to ensure vulnerable customers are supported.

Bills must remain affordable, and customers cannot be expected to pay the price for years of underperformance in the past. Government expects industry to keep the current support schemes under review to ensure households across the country are supported.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking with the Mayor of London to reduce air pollution levels in (a) Clapham and Brixton Hill constituency and (b) London. \p Emma Hardy: Air quality management in London is devolved to the Mayor of London. Officials from Defra maintain regular engagement with the Greater London Authority to discuss and collaborate on air quality initiatives.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Environment Agency on the potential impact of coastal erosion on public safety when there are high numbers of visitors to the coast. \p Emma Hardy: Local authorities can use the most up to date data and information on the coast to assist with their planning and decision making around public safety near coastlines.

The National Coastal Monitoring Programme (NCMP) comprises of six regional programmes led by Coastal Authorities and the Environment Agency to optimise coastal investment and protect communities through the monitoring and analysis of existing coastal assets.

The new NCERM provides the most up to date national picture of current and future coastal erosion risk for England. The Environment Agency has worked with local authorities, who supplied local data and verified outputs.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the feasibility of extending the life of existing coastal defences in Charmouth. \p Emma Hardy: The feasibility of extending the life of any coastal defences or constructing new ones is considered as part of the Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) policy developed for every section of coastline. The Environment Agency is continuing to work with coastal groups on further improvements to SMPs, including updates to the management approaches where needed and providing new assessments of coastal flood and erosion risks.

Defra has committed to review national policy for shoreline management plans by 2026. This will be informed by the Environment Agency’s SMP refresh. Charmouth is part of SMP16 ‘Durlston Head to Rame Head’ developed in 2011, which was recently reviewed in the SMP refresh process and the latest action plan is currently in delivery by the SMP16 management group.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure sustainable urban drainage systems are effectively (a) adopted and (b) maintained. \p Emma Hardy: The Government is strongly committed to improving the implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and we are looking at what additional steps might be taken to support this.

Better delivery of SuDS may be achieved by continuing to improve the current planning policy-based approach and looking at ways of improving the approach to adoption and maintenance, rather than commencing schedule 3 to the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. A final decision on this matter will be made in the coming months.

We have made some immediate changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to support increased delivery of SuDS. The NPPF now requires all development to utilise SuDS where they could have drainage impacts. These systems should be appropriate to the nature and scale of the proposed development. See paragraphs 181 and 182 of the NPPF.

In June this year, the Government introduced new national standards, making clear that SuDS should be designed to cope with changing climatic conditions as well as delivering wider water infrastructure benefits in the form of flood prevention and storm overflow reduction, offering reuse opportunities, reducing run off, and helping to improve water quality, amenity, and biodiversity.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of adopting the Welsh model of sustainable urban drainage systems approving bodies in England. \p Emma Hardy: The Government is strongly committed to improving the implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and we are looking at what additional steps might be taken to support this. The Welsh Government adopted Schedule 3 as the delivery model for SuDS in 2019.

Better delivery of SuDS may be achieved by continuing to improve the current planning policy-based approach and looking at ways of improving the approach to adoption and maintenance, rather than commencing schedule 3 to the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. A final decision on this matter will be made in the coming months.

We have made some immediate changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to support increased delivery of SuDS. The NPPF now requires all development to utilise SuDS where they could have drainage impacts. These systems should be appropriate to the nature and scale of the proposed development. See paragraphs 181 and 182 of the NPPF.

In June this year, the Government introduced new national standards, making clear that SuDS should be designed to cope with changing climatic conditions as well as delivering wider water infrastructure benefits in the form of flood prevention and storm overflow reduction, offering reuse opportunities, reducing run off, and helping to improve water quality, amenity, and biodiversity.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Rachel Gilmour:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to apply sufficient (a) regulatory and (b) financial pressures on water and sewerage companies to ensure the provision of drainage connections to rural communities. \p Emma Hardy: The Government recognises the importance of having a robust drainage and wastewater system both now and for future demand. As part of the Environment Act 2021, a new duty has been created for sewerage undertakers in England and Wales to produce Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans (DWMPs).

DWMPs set out how sewerage undertakers intend to improve their drainage and wastewater systems over the next 25 years, to account for growth, development and climate change.

These plans will help sewerage undertakers to fully assess the capacity of the drainage and wastewater network and develop collaborative solutions to current problems and future issues. The plans will bring together various stakeholders including local authorities and industry regulators.

Under Part IV of the Water Industry Act 1991, sewerage undertakers are required to provide, improve and extend a network of public sewers as to ensure that their areas are, and continue to be, effectually drained. Section 106 of the 1991 Act gives provisions for new connections to be made to the public sewerage network, including for the discharge of both foul and surface water.

Taking a strategic approach to drainage and wastewater management, will help to identify and mitigate issues related to insufficient network capacity or damaged infrastructure.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

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Mohammad Yasin:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with industry stakeholders on reducing water consumption in data centre operations. \p Emma Hardy: The Environment Agency (EA) is engaging with the data centre sector to gain a better understanding of current and future water needs. In August, techUK published a white paper to summarise the results of a survey carried out in collaboration with the EA.

When data centres are planned and designed, consideration should be given to the types of cooling technology being selected and the corresponding water needs. An assessment of the options should be made, including closed-loop water cooling which uses much less water, and air cooling where feasible. Consideration must also be given to where the data centre is going to be located to ensure that any water needs can be met. The EA encourage data centre developers to consider use of non-potable water, to embed water efficiency or water reuse in their design and contact their proposed water and wastewater supplier early in the planning process.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_841

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with local authorities on flood resilience in West Dorset constituency. \p Emma Hardy: The Environment Agency (EA) works in partnership with Dorset Council to improve flood resilience across the county. Engagement on flood resilience takes place where the risk is highest and where the highest numbers of flooded properties are reported. Through an active flood warden programme, the EA engage regularly with volunteers and Town and Parish Councils and provide them with Flood Action Guides, flood resilience newsletters and additional information to help raise flood risk awareness, preparedness, and resilience. Recently 17 West Dorset Communities and Dorset Council were represented at lunch and learn sessions.

New targeted Flood Warning Areas (FWAs) are identified based on risk using overtopping rates and working with other organisations. Several properties have had Flood Defence Grant-in-Aid investment into Property Flood Resilience in West Dorset, including over 25 in Sydling St Nicholas where a community test event is planned in the autumn.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_842
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_842

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the expected costs are for consultancy services in relation to the Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme in Charmouth. \p Emma Hardy: The Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme for Charmouth and Swanage is being delivered through Dorset Council as the lead authority, with support from the Environment Agency, under the ‘Future Coast Dorset’ project.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_843
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_843

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what funding his Department provides to support the development of sustainable coastal defences (a) by communities living in coastal areas at risk of erosion and (b) in Charmouth. \p Emma Hardy: As part of the £2.65 billion FCRM Investment programme for flood and coastal risk reduction, approximately £500 million is being invested in coastal projects across the country to better protect people and properties.

The Environment Agency manages the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes (FCIP) which runs between 2021-2027. £3 million is allocated to Future Coast Dorset, which includes Future Coast Charmouth. This will help communities to manage their changing coasts and become more resilient.

Defra’s Coastal Erosion Assistance Grant also provides financial assistance to local authorities to support them with the cost of demolishing properties at imminent risk of loss from coastal erosion.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_844
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_844

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with (a) Dorset Council and (b) the Environment Agency on potential alternatives to the no active intervention policy for the Charmouth coastline. \p Emma Hardy: The Government is investing £36 million in the Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme to support communities, including in Dorset, to explore innovative approaches to adapt to coastal change.

The Environment Agency has published updated National Coastal Erosion Risk Map data, including future climate change scenarios.

Shoreline Management Plans, developed by local councils, guide long-term strategies for managing flood and erosion risks. The SMP policies for Charmouth were considered during the development of SMP16 ‘Durlston Head to Rame Head’ and will be reviewed as part of the current SMP refresh process. Dorset Council and the Environment Agency are part of the SMP16 management group for South Devon & Dorset, who can consider any new data for this area which may have implications for the current SMP policies.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_845
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_845

Alex Mayer:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many miles of canal have been closed for navigation due to water shortages in 2025. \p Emma Hardy: The country’s largest navigation authority, the Canal and River Trust, reports that the prolonged period of dry weather this spring and summer has led to a number of restrictions and closures across its 2,000-mile inland waterway network. As well as low water levels generally, restrictions on navigation due to water shortages can also include closing locks to preserve the water in the canal sections between them. While this results in through navigation being closed, it may still be possible to navigate between turning points within the sections of canal between closed locks.

As of 31 August 2025, the Trust reports that there were 32 low water closures on 29 waterways impacting an estimated 403 miles, or 1/5th of the network. Since April 2025 the Trust has had 76 low water closures, 53 over 48 hours’ duration and 23 under 48 hours.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_846
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_846

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Environment Agency on the criteria used to select Charmouth as a location for the Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme. \p Emma Hardy: The Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme helps communities that cannot sustainably be defended from coastal erosion aiming to support residents and businesses prepare and plan for the long term.

In September 2023, Charmouth, West Dorset, was added to the programme, taking forward measures that will improve the resilience of local heritage and tourism assets. This was informed by an objective assessment from the Environment Agency (EA) of residential and non-residential properties at risk from coastal erosion. National and local EA coastal specialists also considered the capacity, capability, and willingness within the local authority and the actions needed for Charmouth.

As a UNESCO Jurassic World Heritage Site and Site of Special Scientific Interest, Charmouth represents a good opportunity to invest in and showcase coastal change resilience measures with the aim of benefiting the community, visitors and the local economy.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_847
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_847

Jayne Kirkham:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of marine licensing on marine nature targets. \p Emma Hardy: Marine licensing is an important enabler for meeting marine nature targets, including our Environment Improvement Plan targets to ensure that 70% of designated features in MPAs are in favourable condition by 2042 and the remainder in recovering condition, as well as protecting 30% of UK waters by 2030. The marine licensing regime supports the delivery of these targets through assessing the impacts of licensable activities on the environment before determining if a licence will be granted, along with determining how any impacts can be managed and mitigated where activities go ahead.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_848
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_848

Jayne Kirkham:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of marine licensing on (a) conservation and (b) nature restoration. \p Emma Hardy: The marine licensing regime plays a key role in the protection and conservation of the marine environment. All individual licence applications are assessed in line with Marine Plans and relevant nature legislation. Marine licensing aims to facilitate the sustainable use of the marine environment so that activities can be permitted whilst minimising any environmental impacts. Specific assessments may be required as part of a licence decision, depending on the activity and location, such as a Habitats Regulations Assessment or Environmental Impact Assessment, to determine whether a plan or proposal could have impacts on the marine environment, including on protected sites and species, and how such impacts will be managed.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_849
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_849

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will consider introducing a reinsurance scheme similar to Flood Re for properties built after 2009. \p Emma Hardy: Planning policy is clear that that inappropriate development in floodplains should be avoided. Where development is necessary in a flood risk area, it should be made flood resistant, resilient and safe for their lifetime, without increasing flood risk elsewhere.

It is important to shop around to find an affordable premium as individual insurers consider different factors in setting their premiums. Householders can use the Flood Insurance Directory at www.biba.org.uk.find-insurance to find an appropriate insurance service or speak to someone at BIBAs Find and insurance service on 0370 950 1790. Householders should ensure that the cover is suitable for their individual circumstances.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_850

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will consider requiring insurers participating in the Flood Re scheme to include surface water flooding coverage as standard. \p Emma Hardy: The Flood Reinsurance (Scheme Funding and Administration) Regulations 2015 define a “flood” as “water, from any source external to a building, which enters a building…at or below ground level, or above ground level, provided that part of the body of such water is at ground level; and does so with a volume, weight or force which is substantial and abnormal". Therefore, under this definition, surface water flooding is included as standard within the Flood Re scheme’s offer.

Insurance companies can choose to cede the flood risk element of an eligible household policy to Flood Re if the Schemes premium for that is lower than they can otherwise offer. Flood Re does not have any involvement in or influence over individual insurers’ decisions to cede policies.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_851
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_851

Ian Roome:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to regulate levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water. \p Emma Hardy: Defra continues to work closely with other Government departments, regulators and devolved administrations to assess PFAS levels, sources and risks to inform future policy and regulatory approaches. Action has already been taken to ban or restrict specific PFAS domestically and internationally. The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) has provided PFAS guidance to water companies since 2007, with the latest update in August 2024 and a consolidated version in March 2025. Defra and the DWI are considering regulatory updates, including making this guidance statutory.