theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Terry Jermy:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has commissioned recent research on the potential impact of the use of lead shot on the environment. \p Emma Hardy: In Spring 2021, Defra asked the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment Agency (EA) to prepare a UK REACH restriction dossier for lead ammunition, including lead shot, in all habitats. The HSE and the EA have considered the evidence of risk posed by lead in ammunition on human health and the environment, as well as the socioeconomic impact that would result from introducing further restrictions on lead in ammunition. They also considered the effectiveness, practicality, monitorability and enforceability of the potential restriction.

The HSE has now formed a final Opinion on their restriction proposal for lead in ammunition, informed by information from public consultations, as well as independent scientific advice. Now Defra has received HSE’s final Opinion on the proposed restriction, we are assessing the proposals, and a decision will follow. This decision will be taken with consent from the Devolved Governments of Scotland and Wales.
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Terry Jermy:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of the use of AI in farming. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government recognised AI as an opportunity of a generation in its response to the AI Opportunities Action Plan. The application of AI in agriculture will help to inform farmers’ decision making, automate operations and reduce costs for a more productive, profitable and resilient farming sector. Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme will support this through the development of agri-tech innovation, including AI, machine learning and data management applications.
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Terry Jermy:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of potential impact of intensive animal farming on (a) water ways and (b) agricultural land. \p Daniel Zeichner: Agriculture and rural land management is one of the greatest pressures on the water environment, impacting 45% of water bodies in England.

We recognise intensive farming is not without risk. Intensive pig and poultry farms above specified size thresholds must hold an Environmental Permit requiring operators to adopt best available techniques to reduce pollution. Regulations, including the Farming Rules for Water, set the standards farmers must meet in order prevent and mitigate pollution risks. The EA works with farmers through advice-led enforcement to improve compliance. They have conducted over 4,800 inspections in the last fiscal year (2023/24) and over 2,300 in the first half of the current fiscal year (2024/25). These inspections are targeted to areas of the greatest risk, including the catchments of protected sites.
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Lincoln Jopp:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of floating solar panels on reservoirs on the Environment Agency's risk designation for such reservoirs. \p Emma Hardy: When considering the risk designation of reservoirs, the Environment Agency looks at the volume of water that could be stored by the reservoir, along with the potential loss of life that could occur should there be an uncontrolled release of that water. The use of the reservoir for things such as solar panels does not affect the risk designation.

If solar panels were to be installed on a reservoir, the Environment Agency would recommend that a qualified Panel Engineer is consulted to assess any associated reservoir safety risk. It is worth noting that there is other legislation that may apply which could impact on what can and cannot be done.
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Josh Babarinde:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to ban animal snares in England. \p Mary Creagh: The Government will introduce the most ambitious programme for animal welfare in a generation. As outlined in our manifesto, we will bring an end to the use of snare traps in England. We are considering the most effective way to deliver this commitment and will be setting out next steps in due course.
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Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what his planned timetable is to respond to the consultation on fairer food labelling. \p Daniel Zeichner: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent Central, Gareth Snell on 23 December 2024, PQ 20692.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking with zoos to enhance public education on (a) biodiversity conservation and (b) wildlife protection. \p Daniel Zeichner: Under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981, all licensed zoos in Great Britain must promote public education and awareness in relation to the conservation of biodiversity, in particular by providing information about the species of wild animals kept in the zoo and their natural habitats.
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Mr Paul Kohler:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of trends in the levels of air pollution on (a) economic productivity and (b) workforce participation. \p Emma Hardy: The Government assesses the impact on labour productivity and workforce participation of changes in air pollution from new policies. The Defra's damage cost guidance is used for these assessments and is publicly available online: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/assess-the-impact-of-air-quality/air-quality-appraisal-damage-cost-guidance.

We estimate that achieving the Environment Act targets for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) will result in an increase in economic productivity valued at £710 million over the period from 2023 to 2040. [Source: The Environmental Targets (Fine Particulate Matter) (England) Regulations 2022].
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Cat Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when the Environment Agency’s guidance on the operation of crematoria will be (a) published and (b) brought into effect. \p Emma Hardy: The final updated Process Guidance Note 5/2 (24) is under review.
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Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 13 February to Question 31562 on Sewage: Waste Disposal, what his planned timeline is for the conclusion of the commission to recommend reforms to reset the water sector regulatory system. \p Emma Hardy: On 27 February the Commission launched a wide-ranging Call for Evidence, which is open for views from all interested parties until 23 April. This will inform the Commission’s recommendations to the UK and Welsh governments with final recommendations to conclude this summer.

These recommendations are expected to form the basis of further legislation. This will boost investability in the sector and contribute to economic growth, speed up delivery on infrastructure to support house building, clean up our waterways, address water scarcity and ultimately serve both customers and the environment.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help support businesses to meet their legal duties to the environment. \p Emma Hardy: The Environment Agency appointed a new Chief Regulator, to deliver Government priorities to support business and sustainable economic growth, and ensure environmental regulation is future focused, effective and trusted.

A key part of the Chief Regulator’s role is to act as a critical friend to the Environment Agency, ensuring the organisation is making the improvements it needs to and holding it to account.

The new Chief Regulator’s report 2023-24 introduces the role of Chief Regulator. It summarises the performance of those it regulates, its own performance as a regulator, and changes needed to respond to a changing environment and support Government priorities.
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Jon Trickett:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when his Department plans to respond to Question 31773 tabled by the hon. Member for Normanton and Hemsworth on 21 February 2025. \p Emma Hardy: Question 31773 was answered on 3 March 2025.
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Matt Bishop:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many people in the Forest of Dean constituency have accessed financial support through the (a) Property Flood Resilience grant and (b) Flood Recovery Framework. \p Emma Hardy: Following the extensive flooding in 2020, the Forest of Dean District Council participated in and managed the Property Flood Resilience Grant scheme that was activated in response. 25 residential properties and 1 business property benefitted from the Grant.

The Forest of Dean District Council qualified for support under February 2020 activation of the FRF, where support was provided to 69 households and 10 businesses impacted.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 16 January 2025 to Question 22359 on DEFRA: Unpaid Work, what Environment Agency summer internship opportunities for 2025 are open to (a) male, (b) white, (c) British and (d) working class people, other than industry placements, apprenticeships, training partnerships and scholarships. \p Emma Hardy: The Environment Agency (EA) does not offer unpaid internships. Employment opportunities with the EA are advertised on the jobs board: External Opportunities - Environment Agency Jobs.

In 2025 the EA is running its Summer Development Internship Programme, which is open to men, working class people, British people and white people who also come from a minority ethnic background (e.g. White Irish, Roma, Jewish or other white ethnic minority backgrounds).

We are happy to consider any application that he may want to put forward for one of these roles.
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Andrew Bowie:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of not extending the Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme in England and Wales. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme is an EU legacy scheme, and in England, legislation is in place to close the scheme to English POs on 31 December 2025.

The Government has committed to championing British farming, whilst protecting the environment, and is currently considering the best way to support our farming sectors in the future, including horticulture.

We will make further announcements in due course.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to encourage retailers to improve labelling of products that are toxic to pets. \p Daniel Zeichner: Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, owners and keepers of animals are responsible for ensuring their animals are provided with a suitable diet, and for protecting them from pain, suffering, injury, and illness. Animal welfare organisations offer advice on how to keep pets safe from accidental poisoning and what to do if someone suspects their pet may have been poisoned.
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Dr Roz Savage:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what his planned timeline is for the implementation of the Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme is an EU legacy scheme, and in England, legislation is in place to close the scheme to English POs on 31 December 2025.

The Government has committed to championing British farming, whilst protecting the environment, and is currently considering the best way to support our farming sectors in the future, including horticulture.

We will make further announcements in due course.
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Katie White:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of mini forests on (a) improving (i) air quality and (ii) diversity and (b) supporting the UK’s environmental goals. \p Mary Creagh: Defra, through the Trees Outside Woodlands research programme (funded by the Government), has carried out a study on the Miyawaki Method of planting, sometimes known as tiny or mini forests. The testing has been carried out since 2021. The long-term potential effects of this type of planting compared to typical planting is not yet known, but the study found that the plots that used the Miyawaki Method produced significantly higher early growth and survival rates. It also found early indications that biodiversity levels may be higher than typical planting. Ongoing research aims to understand the carbon implications and longer-term effects of using the method, but these early findings show that the method is a useful tool that can be deployed for tree planting, particularly in urban areas.

A report on the findings after two years of growth can be found here.
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Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to increase penalties for crimes against wildlife so that they are in line with sentences for other animal welfare offences. \p Mary Creagh: Defra has no current plans to increase the penalties for committing crimes against wildlife.

Wildlife crime is unacceptable, and significant sanctions are already available for judges to hand down to those convicted of such crimes. Anyone who commits an offence under existing legislation such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 could face up to a six-month custodial sentence and/or an unlimited fine.

In addition, while the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021 generally protects animals that are commonly domesticated, it can extend to wildlife as it prohibits causing unnecessary suffering to wild animals under human control, for example when they are held in a hand or caught live in a trap. Under this Act the maximum sentence for animal cruelty is five years, which is equal to the highest penalty in the world for such crimes. This sends a clear signal to any future potential offenders that animal cruelty will not be tolerated
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Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to ban the (a) use and (b) sale of (i) glue traps and (ii) wire snares. \p Mary Creagh: This is a devolved matter, and the information provided therefore relates to England only.

A ban on the use of glue traps is already in place. The Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022 came into force in England on 31 July 2024. It prohibits the use of glue traps with limited exceptions for professional pest controllers, acting under a licence issued by Natural England, to preserve public health or public safety when there is no satisfactory alternative. The law does not prohibit the sale of glue traps in England and there are no current plans to ban sale.

As outlined in our manifesto, we will bring an end to the use of wire snare traps. We are considering the most effective way to deliver this commitment and will be setting out next steps in due course.
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Seamus Logan:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has (a) made an assessment and (b) commissioned analysis of the potential impact of a trade deal with the US on agriculture. \p Daniel Zeichner: The UK and US have a strong economic relationship which is fair, balanced and reciprocal. We have $1.5 trillion invested in each other’s economies and over 2.5 million jobs across both countries.

The Prime Minister and President Trump agreed that we should work together to deepen this relationship and to agree a trade deal focused on technology.
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Seamus Logan:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what his policy is on the potential inclusion of US (a) beef and (b) chicken products being included in a trade deal with the US. \p Daniel Zeichner: The UK and US have a strong economic relationship which is fair, balanced and reciprocal. We have $1.5 trillion invested in each other’s economies and over 2.5 million jobs across both countries.

The Prime Minister and President Trump agreed to deepen this relationship and that we should work together to agree a trade deal focused on technology.
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Irene Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to take steps to (a) phase out the use of cages for farmed animals and (b) introduce animal welfare labelling. \p Daniel Zeichner: We remain firmly committed to maintaining and improving animal welfare and want to work closely with the farming sector to deliver high standards. The use of cages and other close confinement systems for farmed animals is an issue which we are currently considering very carefully.

A public consultation on fairer food labelling was undertaken between March and May 2024 by the previous Government. This sought views on proposals to improve and extend current mandatory method of production labelling. We are now carefully considering all responses before deciding on next steps and will respond to this consultation in due course.
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Brian Mathew:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to protect chalk streams. \p Emma Hardy: Cleaning up our waters, including iconic sites such as chalk streams is a top government priority. That is why on 23 October 2024, the Secretary of State announced the launch of an independent commission to fundamentally transform how our water system works.

Fixing the systemic issues in the water system is essential to address the multiple pressures facing chalk streams, namely over abstraction, phosphorous pollution and physical modifications of habitats. Restoring our chalk streams to better ecological health is part of our holistic programme of reforms for the water sector.

Alongside this, we are continuing to direct investment to projects that will improve chalk streams. In 2024/2025, there are over 45 chalk stream projects receiving funding from the Government's Water Environment Improvement Fund, each leveraging private investment.
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Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has had correspondence with councils planning on reducing the frequency of bin collections. \p Mary Creagh: Through Simpler Recycling, all householders will receive a comprehensive and consistent set of waste and recycling services. This will enable householders to recycle as much waste as possible and to frequently dispose of bad-smelling food waste, which will be collected from all households at least weekly.

Defra recognises that as recycling services are expanded and improved, local authorities may want to review residual waste services to ensure they are providing best value for money in line with local need. The government’s priority is ensuring that households’ needs are met, and we expect local authorities to continue to provide services to a reasonable standard, as they do now. Building on existing and new legal duties, Defra recently published guidance to ensure that local authorities consider certain factors when they review services, to ensure that reasonable standards are maintained.  Defra wrote to all English local authorities when this guidance was published.
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Steve Darling:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has considered increasing the trawler by-catch limit for bass. \p Daniel Zeichner: Negotiations between the UK and EU concerning the allocation of fishing opportunities for over 70 stocks, including bass, take place on an annual basis. This year on the 9 December annual bycatch limits for commercial trawls and seines were agreed.

Fisheries: consultations between the UK and the EU for 2025 - GOV.UK.
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Olly Glover:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with (a) Ofwat and (b) Thames Water on increases to consumers' water bills. \p Emma Hardy: Under the Conservatives, our sewage system crumbled. They irresponsibly let water companies divert customers’ money to line the pockets of their bosses and shareholders. The public are right to be angry after they have been left to pay the price of Conservative failure.

The Secretary of State has regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a range of issues.

For too long, investment has not kept pace with the challenges of an ageing infrastructure system, a rapidly growing population and climate change. Now whilst it is never wanted, customer bills will therefore now need to rise to invest in our crumbling infrastructure and deliver cleaner waterways.

Given these challenges, in the first week of office the Secretary of State secured agreement that funding for vital infrastructure investment is ringfenced and can only be spent on upgrades benefiting customers and the environment. Where money is not spent this will be returned to customers.

Furthermore, we understand the financial pressures hardworking families are facing and are pushing the sector to ensure support is available for vulnerable customers who are struggling to pay their bills. The Government expects water companies to put robust support measures in place for customers to ensure vulnerable customers across the country are supported. Water companies therefore have more than doubled the number of customers that will receive help with their bills through social tariffs, from 4% to 9% by 2030, and the Government is working with industry to keep current support schemes under review to ensure customers are sufficiently supported.
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Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of exclusion zones in preventing the spread of blue tongue virus. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra’s approach to bluetongue considers the latest scientific evidence and veterinary advice. Decisions regarding the extent of zones take into account the location of premises where bluetongue has been detected in addition to wider considerations regarding protecting the national herd and flock in the highest density livestock areas to the west and north of England where transmission of bluetongue has not yet been detected. Further details of the evidence that supports these decisions can be found in the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s (APHA) outbreak assessments and assessment of the risk of wind-borne introduction of infected vectors to the UK. The current extent of the restricted zone and the distribution of bluetongue cases detected to date can be viewed on APHA’s interactive map.

Defra and APHA working closely with key industry stakeholders, including the Livestock Auctioneers Association, continue to remain vigilant to any changes in bluetongue risk. To inform our decisions on control measures and the extent of disease control zones and the movements within, to and from these zones which can be licensed we are undertaking surveillance of susceptible animals. This approach aims to ensure disease control measures including the extent of the restricted zone are proportionate to the risk whist minimising the burdens on livestock keepers and allied sectors.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of creating a new forum to bring together (a) his Department, (b) the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, (c) the hon. Member for South Cotswolds, (d) campaign groups, (e) NGOs and (f) youth groups to help improve collaboration on climate and nature issues as part of the Environmental Improvement Plan review process. \p Mary Creagh: The Government has already ensured a wide range of stakeholders play an integral role in the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) review process, on which we will continue to build.

We have, for example, established a new Cross-Sector Stakeholder Advisory Group including NGOs, which informed a rapid review of existing action and will continue to support the development of a revised EIP this year. Alongside government’s Policy Lab we are running an online ‘Collective Intelligence’ debate in March to consider the perspectives of hundreds of wider stakeholders, including youth groups. We will continue to engage across government, including with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, recognising climate and nature’s fundamental role in economic growth and to each of the missions that define this government.

We also welcome the vital role that Parliamentarians play in informing and scrutinising our plans, informed by the efforts of the Zero Hour campaign, led by the hon. Member for South Cotswolds. We have agreed with the Bill’s sponsors to take forward a number of actions including making an annual climate and nature statement to parliament and the country, and greater public participation on these issues.
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Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to answer Question 29973 on Agriculture: Inheritance Tax, tabled on 7 February 2025. \p Daniel Zeichner: An answer to Question 29973 is being prepared and will be provided as soon as possible.
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Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to answer Question 30823 on National Parks, tabled on 11 February 2025. \p Mary Creagh: Question 30823 was answered on 4 March 2025.
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Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to answer Question 31228 on Wolves: Conservation, tabled on 12 February 2025. \p Mary Creagh: Question 31228 was answered on 27 February 2025.
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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support the dairy farming industry in Northern Ireland. \p Daniel Zeichner: Dairy farming policy is a devolved matter and is therefore the responsibility of the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland. However, the UK Government is committed to tackling unfairness in the supply chain wherever it exists and works with DAERA to ensure there is a coordinated approach and farmers receive a fair price for their products.

Central to this is the Government’s commitment to improving contractual practices across the agriculture industry, using the Fair Dealings powers in the Agriculture Act 2020 to increase transparency and protect farmers from unfair practices.

The Fair Dealing Obligations (Milk) Regulations 2024, which came into force last year, introduced key reforms. These include mandatory written contracts outlining key terms such as termination conditions and agreed supply volumes. They also require greater transparency in milk pricing and establish robust dispute resolution procedures, strengthening trust and cooperation between buyers and sellers.

The regulations are enforced by the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator, who can investigate complaints from farmers who believe they have not been provided with a contract that is compliant with the Regulations, on behalf of the Secretary of State.

We will continue to work with DAERA in monitoring the dairy industry to ensure these reforms deliver their intended impact, including through a future review of the effectiveness of the dairy regulations.
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Alberto Costa:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to (a) define and (b) set standards for the use of (i) biodegradable and (ii) compostable plastics. \p Mary Creagh: A Circular Economy Taskforce of experts has been convened from across government, industry, academia and civil society to help us develop a Circular Economy Strategy for England and a series of roadmaps detailing the interventions that the Government and others will make on a sector-by-sector basis.
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Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the conservation projects it funds in (a) Africa and (b) Asia do not lead to (i) forced evictions and (ii) violent abuses of Indigenous peoples. \p Mary Creagh: Defra aims to take a do no harm approach to aid programming. Official development assistance (ODA) projects are required to undertake risk management and due diligence assessments in order to understand and mitigate programmatic risks, including understanding IPLC programming risks.
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Chris Ward:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the World Health Organization's Air Quality Guidelines, whether his Department plans to introduce a Clean Air Bill. \p Emma Hardy: Last year, the Government launched a rapid review of the Environmental Improvement Plan, to revise our plan for significantly improving the environment, including for air quality. We plan to develop a new, statutory plan to protect and restore our natural environment with delivery information to help meet each of our ambitious Environment Act targets.

We are considering the World Health Organization's guidelines as part of an evidence-led process for considering future targets, however we are clear that these guidelines are not ready-made targets for direct adoption as they do not consider achievability or individual countries’ circumstances.

The Government does not currently have plans for a new Clean Air Act and is instead focusing on developing a series of interventions to ensure everyone’s exposure to air pollution is reduced.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-11)

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Mr Joshua Reynolds:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help prevent persistent flooding in (a) Cookham and (b) Hurley. \p Emma Hardy: Environment Agency (EA) teams are working with colleagues from Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council to improve knowledge and understanding of the flooding that has occurred during the last two years of higher-than-average rainfall.

The EA is engaging with residents and community groups around Cookham, as well as elsewhere in the borough, to improve the services it provides. EA teams have also been providing advice and guidance about flood resilience, as well as promoting the recently closed Flood Recovery Grants.

A study was completed during 2018-19 to look at possible options to mitigate flooding in Hurley. Unfortunately, at the time this study was completed it did not find an option that was financially viable.

Inspections of EA flood defences led to temporary works during December 2024, to reinstate a bank collapse on the Maidenhead, Windsor and Eton Flood Alleviation Scheme (MWEFAS) near Taplow. This repair enabled MWEFAS to remain operational this winter, ensuring 3000 properties still benefit from the defences which include flood gates, walls and embankments in the Cookham area. EA teams are now designing the permanent repairs to take place as soon as possible.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-11 conversation_324

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of water bill increases in the Thames Valley region on (a) consumers and (b) low income households. \p Emma Hardy: Under the Conservatives, our sewage system crumbled. They irresponsibly let water companies divert customers’ money to line the pockets of their bosses and shareholders. The public are right to be angry after they have been left to pay the price of Conservative failure.

For too long, investment has not kept pace with the challenges of an ageing infrastructure system, a rapidly growing population and climate change. Whilst bills will therefore now need to rise to invest in our crumbling infrastructure and deliver cleaner waterways, we fully understand the financial pressures hardworking families are currently facing and are pushing the sector to ensure support is available for vulnerable customers who are struggling to pay their bills. The Government expects water companies to put robust support measures in place for customers to ensure that vulnerable customers across the country, including the Thames Valley, are supported.

Water companies have more than doubled the number of customers that will receive help with their bills through social tariffs, from 4% to 9% by 2030, and the Government is working with industry to keep current support schemes under review to ensure that customers are sufficiently supported.

Furthermore, the Government expects companies to hold themselves accountable for their commitment to end Water Poverty by 2030 and will work with the sector to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to this end.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-11 conversation_325

Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the (a) effectiveness and (b) performance of the Rural Payments Agency. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Secretary of State meets arm’s length body CEOs and Chairs bi-annually to discuss delivery and performance. The Minister for Farming has set out a programme of quarterly performance meetings with the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).

As the principal sponsor of the RPA, Defra works closely with RPA officials at every level to provide constructive challenge and support on RPA performance, efficacy and delivery. Defra ministers as well as the wider political team meet with the RPA leadership to discuss the RPA ’s performance and delivery of departmental priorities.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-11 conversation_326

Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the (a) performance and (b) effectiveness of the Rural Payments Agency. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Secretary of State meets arm’s length body CEOs and Chairs bi-annually to discuss delivery and performance. The Minister for Farming has set out a programme of quarterly performance meetings with the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).

As the principal sponsor of the RPA, Defra works closely with RPA officials at every level to provide constructive challenge and support on RPA performance, efficacy and delivery. Defra ministers, as well as the wider political team, meet with the RPA leadership to discuss the RPA ’s performance and delivery of departmental priorities.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-11 conversation_327

Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the support provided by the Rural Payments Agency to farmers in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme constituency and (b) Staffordshire. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Secretary of State meets arm’s length body CEOs and Chairs bi-annually to discuss delivery and performance. The Minister for Farming has set out a programme of quarterly performance meetings with the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).

As the principal sponsor of the RPA, Defra works closely with RPA officials at every level to provide constructive challenge and support on RPA performance, efficacy and delivery. Defra ministers as well as the wider political team meet with the RPA leadership to discuss the RPA ’s performance and delivery of departmental priorities.
wrans/answers2025-03-11 conversation_328
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-11 conversation_328

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has commissioned research on the level of (a) water usage and (b) waste water produced in water company areas. \p Emma Hardy: Water companies report on water use in water resources management plans (WRMPs) annual reviews. The Environment Agency published this data on 7 October 2024. The Government requires water companies to forecast water usage in their 25-year WRMPs. The Environment Agency published a summary of these on 20 December 2024.

As of September 2024, the Government commenced a duty on sewerage undertakers to plan for wastewater capacity need in their 25-year drainage and wastewater management plans (DWMPs). DWMPs are expected to be published in 2027/8 and reviewed annually.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-11 conversation_329

Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Answer of 10 January 2025 to Question 18949 on Domestic Waste: Waste Disposal, what assessment his Department made of the potential impact of not setting minimum levels of service frequency for residual waste collections on (a) odours and smells, (b) insects, (c) rodents, (d) fly-tipping and (e) harm to local amenity as a consequence of councils adopting monthly bin collections. \p Mary Creagh: Defra has not produced a specific impact assessment regarding service frequency for residual waste collections. Modelling for this would be subjective to the circumstances of each individual local authority.

Through Simpler Recycling, all householders will receive a comprehensive and consistent set of waste and recycling services. This will enable householders to recycle as much waste as possible and to frequently dispose of bad-smelling food waste, which will be collected from all households at least weekly.

Defra recognises that as recycling services are expanded and improved, local authorities may want to review residual waste services to ensure they are providing best value for money in line with local need. The government’s priority is ensuring that households’ needs are met, and we expect local authorities to continue to provide services to a reasonable standard, as they do now. Building on existing and new legal duties, Defra has published guidance to ensure that local authorities consider certain factors when they review services, to ensure that reasonable standards are maintained.

Defra have also previously commissioned research into fly-tipping, published in 2022, found that “Good infrastructure and services offered by local authorities will play a significant part in cutting fly-tipping at source”.
wrans/answers2025-03-11 conversation_330
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-11 conversation_330

Ayoub Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department has taken to help prevent traders from declaring that food and drink imports produced by Israeli settlers in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are Produce of Israel. \p Daniel Zeichner: The UK maintains high standards on the information that is provided on food labels so that consumers can have confidence in the food that they buy.

The fundamental principle of food labelling rules is that information provided to the consumer must not mislead.    All food sold on the UK market, including that which is imported, must comply with food labelling rules. The government continues to review existing legislation through post implementation reviews.

Country of Origin labelling is compulsory for prepacked unprocessed beef, veal, lamb, mutton, pork, goat and poultry meat and most unprocessed fresh fruit and vegetables.

Where origin information is not required, it can still be provided as long as it does not mislead. We support accurate labelling of settlement goods, so as not to mislead the consumer.

Food labelling rules are enforced by local authorities. Concerns that a specific food does not comply or is otherwise misleading, should be raised with a local trading standards officer who will be able to investigate and take necessary action.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-11 conversation_331

Robbie Moore:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate his Department has made of the ongoing costs to his Department of the Manchester Clean Air Zone scheme. \p Emma Hardy: Details of Greater Manchester authorities’ expenditure is available in reports to the GMCA available here.

The Government has recently approved an investment-led non-charging Clean Air Plan proposed by Greater Manchester authorities. There are no ongoing costs to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs from the earlier Clean Air Zone scheme and no further funding has been provided. Greater Manchester authorities are also exploring with the police whether the existing ANPR camera infrastructure may be used for law enforcement activity, and the potential reuse opportunities for signage infrastructure.
wrans/answers2025-03-11 conversation_332
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-11 conversation_332

Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what (a) research and (b) data his Department holds on rodent infestations and problems. \p Mary Creagh: Defra does not carry out research or hold data on rodent infestations and problems.

Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), in collaboration with a number of partners including the devolved administrations, publishes a Code of Practice for the prevention and control of rodent infestations on poultry farms Code of Practice: prevention and control of rodent infestations on poultry farms - GOV.UK.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-11 conversation_333

Leigh Ingham:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many people have accessed financial support through the (a) Property Flood Resilience grant and (b) Flood Recovery Framework in Stafford constituency. \p Emma Hardy: Defra currently has two active Property Flood Resilience (PFR) Grant schemes running, one for Storm Babet from October 2023 and a second for Storm Henk from January 2024. Staffordshire County Council are participating in both.

PFR Grant schemes run for 18 months. Final data on the number of properties receiving Defra PFR grants after Storms Babet and Henk will not be available until both the schemes close later in 2025.