Written question asked by Clive Jones (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 29 January 2026. It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Monday, 9 February 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

River Thames: Infrastructure

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will to outline the governance framework for managing River Thames navigation assets, including the criteria and decision-making process for modifying lock structures and updating or creating base hydrological data.

Answer

The Environment Agency (EA) maintains a comprehensive network of local and national governance and assurance boards that oversee the safety, operational performance, and investment prioritisation of its navigation assets.

Public safety is the primary factor guiding navigation investment decisions, supported by the need to maintain and improve asset condition. Prioritisation of Government Grant‑in‑Aid funding for non‑tidal Thames navigation assets is informed by statutory requirements, service delivery standards, and customer benefits across varying asset types. Water level management and enhancements to navigation facilities also form core elements of the EA’s investment planning.

Hydrometry stations across the Thames are critical for managing water abstractions, river levels, and navigation operations. The hydrological data they provide helps maintain and update flood forecasting models and informs the design of new flood risk management schemes.

In the 2025/26 financial year, the EA invested £28 million across its navigation waterways, with £18.2 million invested along the Thames.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 108940
Session: 2024-26
Subjects: Infrastructure Navigation River Thames
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

River Thames: Infrastructure

Secondary information

Librarians' tools