Our work on a new Chemical Strategy has been temporarily paused to provide the Department with extra resources to focus on the national emergency response to COVID-19. This has been communicated to stakeholders, many of whom have contributed to early work to develop a new strategy. Defra is continuing some underpinning work and has encouraged stakeholders to continue submitting ideas and evidence which will support future work on the strategy. We are committed to resuming work as soon as possible. When the work recommences, the publication of our Call for Evidence will be the next key milestone.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4522", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Rebecca Pow"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Taunton Deane"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Rebecca Pow"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2020-05-18", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "45438"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2020-05-18T15:13:09.593Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "13"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2020-05-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Chemicals"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether work on the Government\u2019s Chemicals Strategy has been suspended; and what the timetable is for the publication of that strategy.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4682", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Luke Pollard"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Luke Pollard"} ], "uin" : "45437"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1194238", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1194238/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Our work on a new Chemical Strategy has been temporarily paused to provide the Department with extra resources to focus on the national emergency response to COVID-19. This has been communicated to stakeholders, many of whom have contributed to early work to develop a new strategy. Defra is continuing some underpinning work and has encouraged stakeholders to continue submitting ideas and evidence which will support future work on the strategy. We are committed to resuming work as soon as possible. When the work recommences, the publication of our Call for Evidence will be the next key milestone.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4522", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Rebecca Pow"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Taunton Deane"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Rebecca Pow"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2020-05-18", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "45437"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2020-05-18T15:13:09.663Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "13"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2020-05-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Chemicals"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with (a) industry, (b) consumer and (c) environmental groups on the timetable for the Government\u2019s Chemicals Strategy.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4682", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Luke Pollard"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Luke Pollard"} ], "uin" : "45438"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1194239", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1194239/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
At the end of the Transition Period the UK will have its own independent chemicals regulatory framework, UK REACH. We will bring REACH in to UK law and put in place the systems and capacity to ensure the effective management and control of chemicals which safeguard human health and the environment, and can respond to emerging risks. UK REACH will retain the principles and fundamental approach of the EU REACH system, with its aims of ensuring a high level of protection of human health and the environment, as well as enhancing innovation and competitiveness.<\/p>
<\/p>
We want to provide industry with as much continuity as possible as we transition to UK REACH. As we will have our own independent chemicals regime we would be legally obliged to take our own decisions although there are no plans to actively diverge from EU REACH.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4522", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Rebecca Pow"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Taunton Deane"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Rebecca Pow"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2020-05-18", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : [{"_value" : "45440"} , {"_value" : "45441"} ], "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2020-05-18T15:07:07.09Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "13"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2020-05-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Chemicals: Regulation"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what safeguards he has put in place to ensure the continuity of (a) chemical regulation and (b) the protection of (i) consumers and the (ii) environment from potentially dangerous chemicals after the transition period.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4682", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Luke Pollard"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Luke Pollard"} ], "uin" : "45439"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1194240", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1194240/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
At the end of the Transition Period the UK will have its own independent chemicals regulatory framework, UK REACH. We will bring REACH in to UK law and put in place the systems and capacity to ensure the effective management and control of chemicals which safeguard human health and the environment, and can respond to emerging risks. UK REACH will retain the principles and fundamental approach of the EU REACH system, with its aims of ensuring a high level of protection of human health and the environment, as well as enhancing innovation and competitiveness.<\/p>
<\/p>
We want to provide industry with as much continuity as possible as we transition to UK REACH. As we will have our own independent chemicals regime we would be legally obliged to take our own decisions although there are no plans to actively diverge from EU REACH.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4522", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Rebecca Pow"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Taunton Deane"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Rebecca Pow"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2020-05-18", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : [{"_value" : "45439"} , {"_value" : "45441"} ], "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2020-05-18T15:07:07.153Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "13"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2020-05-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Chemicals: EU Law"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans he has for the UK to diverge from EU REACH regulations.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4682", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Luke Pollard"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Luke Pollard"} ], "uin" : "45440"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1194241", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1194241/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
At the end of the Transition Period the UK will have its own independent chemicals regulatory framework, UK REACH. We will bring REACH in to UK law and put in place the systems and capacity to ensure the effective management and control of chemicals which safeguard human health and the environment, and can respond to emerging risks. UK REACH will retain the principles and fundamental approach of the EU REACH system, with its aims of ensuring a high level of protection of human health and the environment, as well as enhancing innovation and competitiveness.<\/p>
<\/p>
We want to provide industry with as much continuity as possible as we transition to UK REACH. As we will have our own independent chemicals regime we would be legally obliged to take our own decisions although there are no plans to actively diverge from EU REACH.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4522", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Rebecca Pow"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Taunton Deane"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Rebecca Pow"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2020-05-18", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : [{"_value" : "45439"} , {"_value" : "45440"} ], "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2020-05-18T15:07:07.21Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "13"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2020-05-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Chemicals: EU Law"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what cost benefit analysis he has carried out on establishing a separate UK REACH programme.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4682", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Luke Pollard"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Luke Pollard"} ], "uin" : "45441"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1194409", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1194409/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Nature-based solutions are key to tackling societal challenges, such as climate change, while simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits. The Government is deploying such solutions to improve our natural environment.<\/p>
We have received representations on including certain types of nature-based solutions in the Agriculture Bill. However, clause 1(1) of the Bill is broadly drafted and already enables the Secretary of State to support the delivery of environmental outcomes through nature-based solutions. For example, we will use the powers in the Agriculture Bill to introduce our ambitious new Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme, which is intended to provide a powerful vehicle for achieving the goals of the 25 Year Environment Plan. Under the ELM, farmers and land managers may enter into agreements to be paid for delivering a range of public goods. This could include nature based solutions that contribute towards reducing the instances of, and provide protection from, environmental hazards such as flooding.<\/p>
Likewise, the Environment Bill introduces a powerful package of new policies and tools to support nature's recovery. Biodiversity net gain, Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRSs), conservation covenants and a strengthened biodiversity duty on public authorities will work together to drive local action on the ground, creating or restoring rich habitats to enable wildlife to recover and thrive.<\/p>
Notably our net gain measures create an approach to development which means that habitats for wildlife must be left in a measurably better state than they were in pre-development. These measures will be supported by LNRSs to guide smooth and effective delivery of mandatory biodiversity net gain. They will help local authorities to best understand where investment in new habitat creation or restoration will achieve best outcomes for biodiversity and wider environmental benefits.<\/p>
We will continue to engage with a wide range of stakeholders as we move towards implementing these measures.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4522", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Rebecca Pow"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Taunton Deane"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Rebecca Pow"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2020-05-19", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2020-05-19T13:04:10.083Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "13"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2020-05-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Agriculture Bill and Environment Bill"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what representations he has received on the inclusion of nature-based solutions in the (a) Agriculture Bill and (b) Environment Bill.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3939", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Andrew Percy"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Brigg and Goole"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Andrew Percy"} ], "uin" : "45116"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1194722", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1194722/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The general power in section 71(2) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to require any person to provide specified information does not extend to local authorities and is limited to the Secretary of State and, in England, the Environment Agency. Under section 71(2A), local authorities have this power but only with regards to their right to search and seize vehicles under sections 34B and 34C. Local authorities do have a range of powers under section 108 of the Environment Act 1995 to investigate pollution incidents.<\/p>
<\/p>
It is the responsibility of a landowner to dispose of waste fly-tipped on private land. However, under sections 59 and 59ZA of the Environmental Protection Act, local authorities are able to require an occupier or landowner to remove such waste from their land within a specified time, which is not less than 21 days. A local authority is also able to remove such waste in certain circumstances such as where it is necessary that the waste be removed immediately to prevent pollution of land, water or air or harm to human health.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4522", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Rebecca Pow"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Taunton Deane"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Rebecca Pow"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2020-05-18", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2020-05-18T15:25:20.237Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "13"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2020-05-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Fly-tipping"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether local authorities may use their powers under section 71 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to (a) investigate and (b) quickly remove fly-tipping on private land.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4462", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Tom Tugendhat"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Tonbridge and Malling"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Tom Tugendhat"} ], "uin" : "45305"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1194744", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1194744/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Environmental charities make a valuable contribution to the Government\u2019s environmental agenda, through conservation of the natural environment; engaging people in the natural world; and providing access to our beautiful landscapes and coastlines. The Government will continue to work with these organisations on shared objectives during and after the Covid-19 outbreak.<\/p>
<\/p>
There is no specific financial support available to environmental charities, including costs associated with re-opening sites and facilities. However, environmental charities may benefit from a number of the business support schemes the Government has launched. These include VAT deferrals, Small Business Grant Funding, business rates holidays for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses, and the Job Retention Scheme (JRS). The JRS has already provided significant support to environmental charities, and is now being extended to the end of October. Full details of the unprecedented support the Government has made available are available at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support<\/a>.<\/p> <\/p> In response to Covid-19 we have also relaxed some grant requirements and deadlines, and eased some regulatory requirements, to relieve some of the financial pressure on environmental charities.<\/p> <\/p> On 13 May we published guidance to the public and to land managers on accessing the countryside and open space safely. This guidance was informed by discussions with environmental charities and organisations. We will continue to work with them closely on any issues arising from the current crisis.<\/p> <\/p> The development of guidance for site managers is being led by the relevant experts, including officials from Natural England (NE), Environment Agency, and Forestry England, in the Visitor Safety Group (https://vscg.org/<\/a>) and will be published next week.<\/p> <\/p> Furthermore, NE has formed an operational group with environmental NGOs to discuss practical issues arising in managing nature reserves, conservation field staff and volunteers and issues surrounding survey and monitoring. This forum provides an opportunity to share good practice and to agree on joined-up messaging.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4522", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Rebecca Pow"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Taunton Deane"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Rebecca Pow"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2020-05-18", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2020-05-18T15:28:00.747Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "13"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2020-05-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Environment Protection: Coronavirus"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if his Department will make additional financial support available for environmental not-for-profit organisations experiencing hardship as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4471", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Rachael Maskell"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "York Central"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Rachael Maskell"}
], "uin" : "45323"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1194755", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1194755/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " Environmental charities make a valuable contribution to the Government\u2019s environmental agenda, through conservation of the natural environment; engaging people in the natural world; and providing access to our beautiful landscapes and coastlines. The Government will continue to work with these organisations on shared objectives during and after the Covid-19 outbreak.<\/p> <\/p> There is no specific financial support available to environmental charities, including costs associated with re-opening sites and facilities. However, environmental charities may benefit from a number of the business support schemes the Government has launched. These include VAT deferrals, Small Business Grant Funding, business rates holidays for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses, and the Job Retention Scheme (JRS). The JRS has already provided significant support to environmental charities, and is now being extended to the end of October. Full details of the unprecedented support the Government has made available are available at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support<\/a>.<\/p> <\/p> In response to Covid-19 we have also relaxed some grant requirements and deadlines, and eased some regulatory requirements, to relieve some of the financial pressure on environmental charities.<\/p> <\/p> On 13 May we published guidance to the public and to land managers on accessing the countryside and open space safely. This guidance was informed by discussions with environmental charities and organisations. We will continue to work with them closely on any issues arising from the current crisis.<\/p> <\/p> The development of guidance for site managers is being led by the relevant experts, including officials from Natural England (NE), Environment Agency, and Forestry England, in the Visitor Safety Group (https://vscg.org/<\/a>) and will be published next week.<\/p> <\/p> Furthermore, NE has formed an operational group with environmental NGOs to discuss practical issues arising in managing nature reserves, conservation field staff and volunteers and issues surrounding survey and monitoring. This forum provides an opportunity to share good practice and to agree on joined-up messaging.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4522", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Rebecca Pow"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Taunton Deane"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Rebecca Pow"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2020-05-18", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2020-05-18T15:28:00.807Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "13"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2020-05-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Recreation Spaces: Coronavirus"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to provide (a) support and (b) guidance to (i) the National Trust, (ii) the RSPB, (iii) the Wildlife Trusts and (iv) other organisations to help them prepare their sites and facilities for the lifting of some of the covid-19 lockdown restrictions on access to open spaces.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4682", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Luke Pollard"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Luke Pollard"}
], "uin" : "45445"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1194756", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1194756/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " Environmental charities make a valuable contribution to the Government\u2019s environmental agenda, through conservation of the natural environment; engaging people in the natural world; and providing access to our beautiful landscapes and coastlines. The Government will continue to work with these organisations on shared objectives during and after the Covid-19 outbreak.<\/p> <\/p> There is no specific financial support available to environmental charities, including costs associated with re-opening sites and facilities. However, environmental charities may benefit from a number of the business support schemes the Government has launched. These include VAT deferrals, Small Business Grant Funding, business rates holidays for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses, and the Job Retention Scheme (JRS). The JRS has already provided significant support to environmental charities, and is now being extended to the end of October. Full details of the unprecedented support the Government has made available are available at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support<\/a>.<\/p> <\/p> In response to Covid-19 we have also relaxed some grant requirements and deadlines, and eased some regulatory requirements, to relieve some of the financial pressure on environmental charities.<\/p> <\/p> On 13 May we published guidance to the public and to land managers on accessing the countryside and open space safely. This guidance was informed by discussions with environmental charities and organisations. We will continue to work with them closely on any issues arising from the current crisis.<\/p> <\/p>