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Rivers: Environment Protection

Asked by Mr Lee DillonLiberal DemocratDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 5 March 2026UIN 116629

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans she has to accelerate WINEP/AMP upgrades for chalk stream catchments given their protected status.

Answered by Emma Hardy

Chalk streams are incredible source of national pride. As one of Britain’s most nature-rich habitats, they support some of our rarest wildlife.

Water companies will invest £2 billion over the next 5 years to deliver more than 1,000 targeted actions for chalk stream restoration through the Price Review 24 (PR24) Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP).

Additionally, chalk streams will be prioritised as part of the record £10.2 billion of investment to improve over 2,500 storm overflows in England.

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