House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Statement on improving water quality and tackling nutrient pollution
20 July 2022 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Proposed by George Eustice Con Camborne and Redruth
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- Government proposes amendment to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill to require wastewater treatment upgrades by 2030 in nutrient neutrality areas.
- A Nutrient Mitigation Scheme is being established with funding from Defra and DLUHC.
- Planning guidance will be revised to address deliverability issues related to nutrient pollution.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the government's efforts to improve water quality by tackling nutrient pollution through legislative changes and new schemes.
Action requested
The minister is proposing an amendment to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill to mandate wastewater treatment upgrades by 2030 in nutrient neutrality areas, establishing a Nutrient Mitigation Scheme with funding from Defra and DLUHC, and revising planning guidance to reflect deliverability of sites affected by nutrient pollution.
Key facts
- The amendment will place a new statutory duty on water and sewerage companies to upgrade wastewater treatment works to the highest technically achievable limits by 2030 in nutrient neutrality areas.
- Natural England will develop a Nutrient Mitigation Scheme, with Defra and DLUHC providing funding for wetland and woodland creation projects.
- The government will revise planning guidance over the summer to ensure sites affected by nutrient pollution are considered deliverable for housing land supply calculations.