Environmental Crime Victim Support 2025-11-11
2025-11-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Daniel’s Well in Malmesbury is a local swimming spot, but there have been illegal sewage discharges and swimmers falling ill. The Lib Dems tabled an amendment to the Victims and Prisoners Bill allowing victims of environmental crime such as sewage spills to claim compensation.
What steps are being taken through the criminal justice system to help support victims of environmental crimes? Daniel’s Well in Malmesbury, a local swim spot, faced warnings due to strong currents and evidence of illegal sewage discharges causing illnesses. Last year, the Lib Dems proposed an amendment allowing compensation for such victims. Why did the government abstain from voting on this amendment?
Victims of an environmental crime can access services as outlined in the victims code. Police and crime commissioners receive annual grant funding from the Ministry of Justice to commission support for all crime types. The Minister referred Dr Savage to her colleagues at DEFRA for more specific information on tackling environmental crimes.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address why the government abstained from voting on the amendment related to compensation for victims of environmental crimes.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Fly-tipping is a problem in Gloucester, leaving victims unable to enjoy their city. The question seeks information on discussions with MHCLG about giving local councils the powers and resources to enforce action against fly-tipping.
What discussions have taken place between the Minister and colleagues at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government regarding how to give local councils the necessary powers and resources to enforce action against fly-tipping?
The Minister confirmed ongoing work across Government, including in Gloucester, to empower local authorities with the necessary powers to enforce action against fly-tipping. This includes ensuring councils have the tools they need to tackle this issue.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific details on discussions or agreements were provided.
Response accuracy