Context
Concerns about the Environment Agency's inability to maintain riverbanks and dredge rivers due to Natural England's requirements for wildlife protection.
Question
My constituents are very concerned that the Environment Agency is unable to properly maintain riverbanks and dredge rivers in order to protect homes and livelihoods because of demanding requirements regarding badgers and water voles, which means priorities are wrong. Will the Minister meet me and senior people at the Environment Agency to ensure we get these priorities correct?
Answer from Emma Hardy
Dredging used to be commonplace, but some evidence shows that it can speed up flow and potentially increase the risk of flooding downstream. There are currently no plans for any further dredging in Boston and Skegness, but I am happy to meet the hon. Gentleman and the EA area manager to discuss this further.
Not addressed: Specific commitment on dredging plans or timeline was not provided despite acknowledging concerns about wildlife protection requirements.
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