VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Pollution Control: Sutton Park

Asked by Sir Andrew MitchellConservativeDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 21 January 2026UIN 105646

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 18 December 2025 to Question 98739 on Biodiversity and Pollution: Sutton Park, what recent discussions her Department has had with Severn Trent on how sewage infrastructure failures can be avoided in Sutton Park.

Answered by Emma Hardy

The most recent discussion Natural England has had with Severn Trent regarding how sewage infrastructure failures can be avoided in Sutton Park was a meeting on 13 November 2025 in conjunction with the Environment Agency. This discussion was part of ongoing discussions regarding Severn Trent's commitment within the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) to investigate the sources and impacts of water pollution at Sutton Park. The next meeting is due on 21 January 2026.

Natural England has noted that the number of serious incidents has reduced (from four in 2021 to two in 2025). Severn Trent has recently employed a new Ranger to support this work. However, there is still more work to reduce incidents. We will continue to work with Severn Trent alongside the Environment Agency to ensure Severn Trent delivers its commitments within the WINEP.

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