VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Inland Waterways

Asked by Dr Ben SpencerConservativeDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 24 October 2024UIN 10157

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many enforcement actions to require riparian landowners to discharge their watercourse maintenance obligations were taken by the Environment Agency in each constituency in 2023.

Answered by Emma Hardy

In 2023 the Environment Agency (EA) recorded 404 incidents nationally where riparian ownership was referenced.

Where offences were identified the EA took action in line with their enforcement and sanctions policy to protect the environment.

One warning letter, one advice and guidance letter and one site warning were issued during 2023. There were no prosecutions.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim