Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Marine Management Organisation

13 December 2022 · 3 other contributors · 2,775 words

Opened by Giles Watling Con Clacton

Responding minister: Mark Spencer

Environment

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Giles Watling raised concerns about marine management organisation in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • MP raises concern over Marine Management Organisation's inefficiency and lack of accountability
  • MP cites a specific case where the Naze Protection Society waited 13 weeks for a licence
  • MP calls for devolving MMO functions to local authorities through a pilot scheme

Key requests to Government

The MP calls for devolving many functions of the Marine Management Organisation to local authorities through a pilot scheme. He requests that Tendring District Council absorb and discharge the licensing and management duties currently handled by the MMO.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Giles Watling Con Clacton

The MP is concerned about the Marine Management Organisation's inefficiency and lack of accountability. He cites a specific case where the Naze Protection Society waited 13 weeks for a licence to undertake vital coastal works, despite having all necessary resources ready. Additionally, he points out that local government authorities have a deep understanding of their areas' needs and can manage licensing duties more effectively than centralised organisations like the MMO.

Other contributors (3)
  • Brandon Lewis Con Great Yarmouth

    I highlighted that East Anglian coastal authorities face challenges with MMO's slow decision-making, citing Great Yarmouth Borough Council's delays in developing an operations and maintenance hub due to the MMO's process.

  • James Duddridge Con Castle Point

    I support my hon. Friend's assertion that moving closer to local government for marine management decisions would improve public and democratic accountability, citing Southend-on-Sea City Council as a potential local authority to be involved in pilot projects.

  • Jonathan Lord Con Saffron Walden

    The MP questioned who regulates the regulator, implying a need for oversight over organisations like the Marine Management Organisation.

Government Response

Mark Spencer

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Pritchard. I welcome the debate and am grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for Clacton (Giles Watling) for securing it. The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) aims to determine 90% of marine licence applications within 13 weeks but some cases are more complex and take longer due to detailed technical and environmental assessments required. The minister acknowledged the necessity of speed in decision-making while also emphasizing the importance of careful consideration to avoid adverse impacts on other communities or infrastructure further down the coastline. The MMO has responsibilities in the marine space, crucial for supporting local community growth, trade in fish, and marine environment protection. It is the primary responder to marine emergency situations and supports evidence-based decisions touching a range of Government Departments. The minister expressed willingness to facilitate meetings between colleagues and the MMO chief executive to address concerns raised.

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