Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Environment Agency Funding

Thursday 1 February 2024 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Environment Agency's budget for 2024 is 1.96 billion, an increase of over 700 million since 2015.
  • Somerset Rivers Authority partnership was established and received an additional 80 million in targeted funding.
  • The Secretary of State met with representatives of the Angling Trust to discuss marine conservation measures.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sarah Dyke Lib Dem Glastonbury and Somerton
Environment
Context

Recent storms have highlighted concerns about the adequacy of Environment Agency funding.

Question

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of Environment Agency funding levels in the context of recent storms?

Answer from Steve Barclay

The Environment Agency's budget this year is £1.96 billion, which is an increase of more than £700 million since 2015. We closely monitor the quantum and how we ensure we get value for money.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a clear assessment or specific figures related to adequacy in context of recent storms, only general funding increase.

How: General Statement

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Q2 Sarah Dyke Lib Dem Glastonbury and Somerton
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

In Somerset, after significant flooding in 2014, there have been ongoing issues with regular flooding impacting homes and farmland.

Question

Following the 2014 flooding, what steps is the Secretary of State taking to protect homes in Somerset from flooding and to ensure that floodwater is efficiently and effectively pumped away from farmland?

Answer from Steve Barclay

We set up the Somerset Rivers Authority partnership and secured an extra £80 million of targeted funding for Somerset. That targeted action is enabling the area to be more resilient, but there is further work to do.

Answered
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Q3 Charles Walker Con
Environment
Context

The number of cormorants roosting permanently inland has risen significantly, impacting freshwater fish.

Question

Will the Secretary of State meet me and representatives of the Angling Trust to discuss this issue?

Answer from Steve Barclay

It is always a pleasure to meet my hon. Friend. Yesterday, we announced two major positive steps: closing English waters to sand eel fishing and announcing 13 marine designated areas equivalent in size to Suffolk.

Not addressed: Did not confirm a meeting with Charles Walker or the Angling Trust but shifted focus to recent announcements about seabird protection.

How: Changed Subject

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Q4 Emma Hardy Lab Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Farmer Henry Ward experienced extensive flooding due to river breaches, with the Environment Agency unable to repair them promptly.

Question

When will the Government realise that their failure to be decisive is costing farmers their livelihoods?

Answer from Steve Barclay

The water Minister has met with individual farmer Henry Ward on his farm. We are actively working with internal drainage boards to empower them in this context.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a clear timeline or commitment for repairing flood damage.

How: General Statement, Shift Focus

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