Written question asked by Barry Gardiner (Labour) on Thursday, 22 October 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 28 October 2026 (named day). It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 October 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

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Water Companies: Pollution Control

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions she has had with the Environment Agency on the failure of English water and sewerage companies to meet its requirements for their Pollution Incident Reduction Plans; and whether she has made an assessment of the adequacy of the Environment Agency's ability to ensure water companies' Pollution Incident Reduction Plans meet those requirements.

Answer

The Environment Agency (EA) published guidance on Pollution Incident Reduction Plans in January 2026 and is responsible for the enforcement of non-compliance Defra officials and the EA continue to work together and guidance updates to improve the next round of plans will take place as needed.

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Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

37353

Session

2026-27

Subjects

Environment Agency Pollution control Standards Sewage Water companies

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk