Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Environmental Crime: Victim Support

Tuesday 11 November 2025 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Victims of environmental crimes can access support services as outlined in the victims code.
  • Police and crime commissioners receive annual grant funding to commission support for all crime types.
  • The Minister confirmed ongoing work to empower local councils with necessary powers to enforce action against fly-tipping.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Roz Savage Lib Dem South Cotswolds
Justice & Courts Environment
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.

Question

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?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not address why the government abstained from voting on the amendment related to compensation for victims of environmental crimes.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Alex McIntyre Lab Gloucester
Local Government Environment
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.

Question

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?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific details on discussions or agreements were provided.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email