VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Waste Management: Enforcement

Asked by Jon TrickettLabourDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 18 June 2026UIN 8485

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will take steps to ensure enforcement action against waste companies is more robust.

Answered by Mary Creagh

The Government’s Waste Crime Action Plan sets out a strengthened enforcement response, including an additional £45 million for the Environment Agency (EA) over the next three years to expand on-the-ground enforcement activity. It also establishes a new Operational Waste Intelligence and Analysis Unit which will integrate satellite, drone, financial and criminal data to identify risks earlier and accelerate action. Further actions include introducing police‑style powers for EA officers, expanding the use of restriction notices to halt harmful activity quickly, and strengthening the use of permit suspensions and revocations where serious risks or breaches are identified.

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