House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Update on next steps post Costa Beck Court of Appeal Judgment on River Basin Management Plans
22 July 2025 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Proposed by Emma Hardy Lab Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- UK Government to update river basin management plans in line with Costa Beck Court of Appeal judgment
- Defra and the Environment Agency will collaborate to address sewage pollution and improve water quality
- Work will focus on identifying new programs in selected catchment areas for targeted review
Issue summary
The statement addresses the need for reform in the UK's water sector, including river basin management plans and addressing sewage pollution.
Action requested
Defra and the Environment Agency are working together to update programmes of measures consistent with the Court of Appeal judgment and plan a targeted approach to reviewing and identifying new programs in select catchments. This work will help identify further actions or reforms needed for water quality improvement.
Key facts
- The Independent Water Commission published a report proposing necessary reforms.
- Defra confirmed it would work with the Environment Agency on improved river basin management planning consistent with the Court of Appeal’s judgment.
- A targeted 'ground up' approach to reviewing and identifying new programmes of measures will be developed in a small number of catchments.