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Written question asked by Helen Morgan (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 9 October 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 14 October 2026 (named day). It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Wednesday, 14 October 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Water Abstraction: Shropshire

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the new powers she will be able to exercise from 1 January 2028 to revoke or vary abstraction licences without paying compensation, on food production and farm profitability in Shropshire.

Answer

The Environment Act 2021 provides new powers to improve water resilience and protect the environment through Abstraction Permit Reviews. The review is planned for 2028-2035.

Farmers are being supported through water resilience initiatives, including upcoming funding for on-farm reservoirs and support for establishing Water Abstractor Groups to increase agriculture's input into water resource planning.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
30520
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Compensation Licensing Farms Shropshire Water abstraction
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk