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Written question asked by Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 7 May 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 May 2025. It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 May 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Beaches: Protection

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to help protect beaches between the mouth of the River Exe and mouth of the River Dart.

Answer

The Environment Agency (EA) has recruited two new Water Industry Regulation teams who are increasing regulation of water company sites in Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, undertaking more compliance checks (including unannounced inspections), translating storm overflow monitoring data into regulatory intelligence, and increasing enforcement actions for pollution incidents under the Enforcement and Sanctions policy. Inspection locations are prioritised according to environmental sensitivity, such as sites impacting bathing waters, and where EDM data is showing spills are higher than they should be. The Environment Agency increased inspections in 2024-25 and will more than double these in 2025-2026. This includes water company assets in Newton Abbot constituency. It will also attend more incidents.

The EA has also increased the number of farm inspections they are able to deliver and are helping to support the transition to a more sustainable and healthy farming industry. In Devon and Cornwall, dedicated farm inspection officers are currently inspecting farms and undertaking enforcement action in the highest priority catchments including the River Otter and Exe.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
50663
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Devon Beaches Protection River Exe River Dart
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk