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Internal Drainage Boards: Finance

Asked by Rupert LoweRestore BritainDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 1 July 2026UIN 13326

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 10 April 2025 to Question 43491 on Internal Drainage Boards, what progress has been made with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government on developing a long-term funding solution for local authorities facing increases in Internal Drainage Board levies, and when conclusions are expected.

Answered by Emma Hardy

In response to increasing financial pressures on Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs), farmers and local authorities, Defra and MHCLG jointly commissioned research into IDB funding, costs, efficiency, value for money and wider benefits. The project, launched in September 2025 and due to conclude in summer 2026, also considers whether changes to the funding model may be needed. Defra and MHCLG will consider the findings carefully.

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