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Written question asked by Charlotte Nichols (Labour) on Thursday, 5 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 February 2026. It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 February 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Grouse Moors: Subsidies

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make it her policy to reverse the 2014 increase in subsidy for grouse moorlands.

Answer

The payment increase announced in 2014 was an uplift in per hectare payments for moorland under the area-based Basic Payment Scheme, which has since closed in England.

Defra is targeting investments away from the old subsidy schemes towards improving Environmental Land Management schemes and investing in farmers, including upland farmers. Defra launched the new Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier last year, and an updated version of the Sustainable Farming Incentive will reopen later this year. Defra is also working with Dr Hilary Cottam on a new approach to the uplands, developing a place-based approach for what these communities need.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
111212
Session
2024-26
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Subsidies Grouse moors
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk