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1300752

registered interest
date	09/03/2021
answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept id	13
answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
hansard heading	Animal Welfare: Enforcement
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Local Authority Enforcement Project in Wales, what similar support he is making available to local authorities for collaboration on animal welfare enforcement across the UK.
tabling member constituency	Pontypridd
tabling member printed	Alex Davies-Jones
uin	165697
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/03/2021 answer text <p>The Welsh Government has kept us informed of its Local Authority Enforcement Project and we are looking into whether any lessons can be learnt to inform better training of local authority inspectors in England.</p><p> </p><p>Meanwhile, Defra has published statutory guidance notes for local authorities to support the enforcement of the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018 (the 2018 Regulations) which govern activities such as dog breeding and pet sales.</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/animal-activities-licensing-guidance-for-local-authorities" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/animal-activities-licensing-guidance-for-local-authorities</a></p><p> </p><p>The 2018 Regulations require that all local authority inspectors must be suitably qualified and the procedural guidance notes define how inspectors can meet this criterion. Such criteria includes any person holding a Level 3 certificate or equivalent granted by a body, recognised and regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation which oversees the training and assessment of persons in inspecting and licensing animal activities businesses, confirming the passing of an independent examination.</p><p> </p><p>We also helped facilitate the establishment of the Local Government Animal Welfare Group (LGAWG) and its website which provides information for local authority teams as well as other animal welfare enforcers such as the police and the RSPCA. This Group seeks to raise the profile of animal welfare enforcement as well as sharing best practice and providing advice for those working with animals. Supported by Defra, the Local Government Association and the Animal Health &amp; Welfare Board England, the LGAWG provides up to date information and news.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 12/03/2021 12:36:27 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
tabling member	4849 label Biography information for Alex Davies-Jones

1300754

registered interest
date	09/03/2021
answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept id	13
answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
hansard heading	Animal Welfare: Inspections
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the ability of local authority inspectors to inspect licensable activities under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.
tabling member constituency	Pontypridd
tabling member printed	Alex Davies-Jones
uin	165699
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/03/2021 answer text <p>During the COVID-19 restrictions, my department has engaged with local authority representatives about their undertaking of inspections. Under <em>The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018</em> (the 2018 Regulations) local authorities have powers to vary licences and this includes extending them without needing to inspect the premises. Therefore, local authorities were able to make decisions on a case by case basis relating to inspecting premises licensed under the 2018 Regulations in a safe way.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 12/03/2021 12:35:18 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
tabling member	4849 label Biography information for Alex Davies-Jones

1300761

registered interest
date	09/03/2021
answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept id	13
answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
hansard heading	Floods: Victoria Tower Gardens
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what long term estimates his Department has made of the level of risk of flooding in the proposed Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre site in Victoria Tower Gardens from a potential (a) breach of river wall or (b) overtopping of the river wall if water levels were to rise as a result of global warming.
tabling member constituency	Cities of London and Westminster
tabling member printed	Nickie Aiken
uin	165669
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/03/2021 answer text <p>a) The Flood Risk Assessment required under paragraph 163 of the National Planning Framework, together with other associated assessments submitted by the applicant, has satisfactorily demonstrated that the integrity of the flood defence can be maintained throughout construction. This is subject to the actions of a detailed monitoring plan outlined within the application.</p><p> </p><p>b) The applicant has demonstrated, through design and loading calculations, that the proposal will not preclude the requirement to raise the flood defences in the future as required by the Thames Estuary 2100 Plan.</p><p> </p><p>It should be noted that while it may be impacted by this proposal, the flood defence is outside of the application boundary and will require cooperation between the applicant and the riparian owner to ensure that a continuous defence is maintained at all times.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 12/03/2021 12:44:44 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
tabling member	4741 label Biography information for Nickie Aiken

1300762

registered interest
date	09/03/2021
answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept id	13
answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
hansard heading	Floods: Victoria Tower Gardens
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what long term risk assessment his Department has made of the (a) likelihood and (b) severity of possible flooding scenarios of the proposed Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre site in Victoria Tower Gardens over the next 100 year period.
tabling member constituency	Cities of London and Westminster
tabling member printed	Nickie Aiken
uin	165670
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/03/2021 answer text <p>a) Victoria Tower Gardens, the location of the proposed Holocaust Memorial, is located within Flood Zone 3 but is protected by the Thames Tidal flood defences up to a 1 in 1000 (0.1%) chance in any year flood event. However, the Environment Agency’s most recent breach hazard modelling study shows the site to be impacted by flooding if there was to be a breach in the defences or they were to be overtopped.</p><p>The applicant has satisfactorily demonstrated that the structural integrity of the wall can be maintained throughout the construction phase of the development and that a continuous monitoring plan will be in place to identify any unacceptable movement within the wall together with contingency actions. The Environment Agency has requested that the requirements of the monitoring plan be secured by way of planning condition.</p><p>b) The Environment Agency’s modelling highlights that a breach in the tidal flood defences, while a low probability, could have an impact due to the depth and velocity of the flood water, increasing risk to life. The applicant, in discussion with the Local Authority’s Local Emergency Planning team, should asses the risks of internal flooding, access and exits of the building as part of a Flood Emergency Plan.</p><p>The Environment Agency does not assess or approve the adequacy of flood emergency response procedures accompanying development proposals as it does not carry out these roles during a flood.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 12/03/2021 13:42:09 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
tabling member	4741 label Biography information for Nickie Aiken

1300763

registered interest
date	09/03/2021
answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept id	13
answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
hansard heading	Floods: Victoria Tower Gardens
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department has taken to (a) coordinate with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government to ensure the latter Department duly considers the risk of flooding to the proposed Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre site in Victoria Tower Gardens in its planning consultation process, and (b) ensure that sufficient measures are taken to protect buildings in Thames Flood Zone 3 from an excessive risk of damages from potential flooding.
tabling member constituency	Cities of London and Westminster
tabling member printed	Nickie Aiken
uin	165671
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/03/2021 answer text <p>a) The Environment Agency is a statutory consultee as outlined in the Development Management Procedure Order (DMPO) 2015. The Environment Agency formulates its response based on evidence and the requirements set out in the National Planning Policy Framework and associated Planning Practice Guidance (Flood Risk and Costal Change). This was created by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government.</p><p> </p><p>b) Within the Thames Estuary, a complex network of defences, including nine major barriers, around 330km of walls and embankments, and more than 900 other structures (such as flood gates, outfalls and pumps), work together to protect over 1.4 million people and £321 billion worth of property from tidal flooding.</p><p> </p><p>The current tidal flood defences protect to a one in 1000 year flood event. To meet the challenge of climate change and sea level rises, the Thames Estuary 2100 plan details the requirements to raise flood defences in order to protect homes and businesses.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 12/03/2021 12:38:13 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
tabling member	4741 label Biography information for Nickie Aiken

1300848

registered interest
date	09/03/2021
answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept id	13
answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
hansard heading	Litter
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans he has to help reduce the (a) level of unlawful littering and (b) number of offences of leaving litter that are undetected; and if he will make a statement.
tabling member constituency	East Yorkshire
tabling member printed	Sir Greg Knight
uin	165442
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/03/2021 answer text <p>We published the Litter Strategy for England in April 2017, setting out our aim to deliver a substantial reduction in litter and littering within a generation. The Litter Strategy brings together communities, businesses, charities and schools to bring about real change by focusing on three key themes: education and awareness; improving enforcement; and better cleaning and access to bins. A copy of the Litter Strategy can be found at: <a href="http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/litter-strategy-for-england" target="_blank">www.gov.uk/government/publications/litter-strategy-for-england</a>.</p><p> </p><p>Littering is a criminal offence, with a maximum penalty on conviction of a fine of up to £2,500, although most enforcement is carried out by local authorities using fixed penalties.</p><p> </p><p>Following consultation, with effect from April 2018, we increased the maximum fixed penalty for littering from £80 to £150, and from April 2019, the minimum fixed penalty was also raised from £50 to £65. We have also given councils in England (outside London) new civil penalty powers to tackle littering from vehicles. We have no plans to make further changes to the level of fixed penalties or fines for littering at this stage.</p><p> </p><p>It is up to local councils to decide how they use their enforcement powers. We have published improved guidance to councils and others on the use of their fixed penalty powers for littering and related offences. We are also seeking powers in the Environment Bill to ensure that enforcement powers are always used with a high degree of professionalism.</p><p> </p><p>Enforcement action should only be taken when it is in the public interest to do so. Enforcement action should always be proportionate, and penalties should not be issued for trivial offences or accidental littering.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow grouped question UIN 165443 question first answered 12/03/2021 12:41:30 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
tabling member	1200 label Biography information for Sir Greg Knight

1300849

registered interest
date	09/03/2021
answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept id	13
answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
hansard heading	Litter: Fixed Penalties
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the existing penalties for unlawfully leaving litter; and if he will make a statement.
tabling member constituency	East Yorkshire
tabling member printed	Sir Greg Knight
uin	165443
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/03/2021 answer text <p>We published the Litter Strategy for England in April 2017, setting out our aim to deliver a substantial reduction in litter and littering within a generation. The Litter Strategy brings together communities, businesses, charities and schools to bring about real change by focusing on three key themes: education and awareness; improving enforcement; and better cleaning and access to bins. A copy of the Litter Strategy can be found at: <a href="http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/litter-strategy-for-england" target="_blank">www.gov.uk/government/publications/litter-strategy-for-england</a>.</p><p> </p><p>Littering is a criminal offence, with a maximum penalty on conviction of a fine of up to £2,500, although most enforcement is carried out by local authorities using fixed penalties.</p><p> </p><p>Following consultation, with effect from April 2018, we increased the maximum fixed penalty for littering from £80 to £150, and from April 2019, the minimum fixed penalty was also raised from £50 to £65. We have also given councils in England (outside London) new civil penalty powers to tackle littering from vehicles. We have no plans to make further changes to the level of fixed penalties or fines for littering at this stage.</p><p> </p><p>It is up to local councils to decide how they use their enforcement powers. We have published improved guidance to councils and others on the use of their fixed penalty powers for littering and related offences. We are also seeking powers in the Environment Bill to ensure that enforcement powers are always used with a high degree of professionalism.</p><p> </p><p>Enforcement action should only be taken when it is in the public interest to do so. Enforcement action should always be proportionate, and penalties should not be issued for trivial offences or accidental littering.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow grouped question UIN 165442 question first answered 12/03/2021 12:41:30 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
tabling member	1200 label Biography information for Sir Greg Knight

1300961

registered interest
date	09/03/2021
answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept id	13
answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
hansard heading	Fishing Vessels: Inspections
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many at sea inspections his Department conducted on (a) British and (b) overseas fishing boats in each month in 2020.
tabling member constituency	Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport
tabling member printed	Luke Pollard
uin	165668
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/03/2021 answer text <p>I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 5 February 2021, PQ <a href="https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2021-01-28/145144" target="_blank">UIN 145144</a>.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 12/03/2021 12:49:24 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
tabling member	4682 label Biography information for Luke Pollard

1300091

registered interest
date	08/03/2021
answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept id	13
answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
hansard heading	Hedgehogs: Conservation
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent estimate he has made of hedgehog numbers in the UK; and if he will take steps to move hedgehogs to schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to strengthen their protections.
tabling member constituency	Ynys Môn
tabling member printed	Virginia Crosbie
uin	164682
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/03/2021 answer text <p>The latest ‘Review of the Population and Conservation Status of British Mammals’ estimates the hedgehog populations in the UK is 522,000.</p><p> </p><p>Wildlife policy is a devolved issue and this response is with regard to England only.</p><p>The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 sets out a legal duty for the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) to undertake a review of Schedule 5 and 8 (protected species) every five years to determine whether any further species warrant inclusion, and for the Secretary of State to lay this advice before Parliament. This review process is science led and evidence based, with criteria for consideration of species agreed across the jurisdictions of the UK. The JNCC is currently reviewing schedule 5 and will make recommendations for any additions at the end of this year.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 11/03/2021 14:38:25 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
tabling member	4859 label Biography information for Virginia Crosbie

1300100

registered interest
date	08/03/2021
answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept id	13
answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
hansard heading	Flood Control
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure adequate flood defences in England.
tabling member constituency	Rochester and Strood
tabling member printed	Kelly Tolhurst
uin	164539
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/03/2021 answer text <p>By the end of March 2021, the Environment Agency will have invested £2.6 billion to better protect 300,000 homes from flooding and coastal erosion risk between 2015/16 and 2020/21. Since April 2015, the Environment Agency and other Risk Management Authorities will have completed almost 750 new flood and coastal defence projects across the country.</p><p> </p><p>From April 2021, a new 6 year investment programme will start, which will invest the £5.2 billion announced in the March 2020 Budget. This will ensure a further 336,000 homes and non-residential properties are better protected from flooding and coastal erosion.</p><p> </p><p>In addition, a further up to £170 million will be spent to accelerate work on 22 shovel-ready flood defence schemes that will begin construction before the end of 2021/2022. This additional funding will provide an immediate boost to jobs supporting local economies as communities recover from the impact of coronavirus.</p><p> </p><p>An additional £200 million will also be invested in the Innovative Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programme. This will help over 25 local areas over six years to take forward wider innovative actions that improve their resilience to flooding and coastal erosion.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 16/03/2021 12:38:24 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
tabling member	4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst