Committee publication · Correspondence · 13 February 2026
Correspondence to Olivia Thomas, Head of Marine Planning, The Crown Estate, requesting additional information following the evidence session held on 28 January, dated 11 February.
From: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Inquiry: Fisheries and the marine environment
Summary
The EFRA Committee, following Olivia Thomas's evidence session on 28 January, requests written responses to eight outstanding substantive questions on The Crown Estate's marine operations, revenue allocation, community engagement, accountability mechanisms, and compliance with new statutory duties under the Crown Estate Act 2025. Responses requested by 23 February.
Key findings
- Committee seeks clarity on The Crown Estate's community engagement in South West England and the nature of that engagement
- Questions raised about revenue distribution between Treasury and The Crown Estate, specifically regarding marine activity revenue
- Seeks confirmation of rent calculation methodology for aquaculture interests and annual seabed aggregate extraction volumes
- Requests clarification on The Crown Estate's official policy position on establishing a sea-use framework
- Questions mechanisms of parliamentary accountability and specific port investment details under new Crown Estate Act 2025 duties regarding sustainable development and Environment Act targets
Tone
ProceduralTopics
marine-planningpublic-financeenvironmental-sustainabilityparliamentary-accountability
Key actors
Olivia Thomas, The Crown Estate, Alistair Carmichael MP, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Notable line
“With your new duties under the Crown Estate Act 2025, how are you assessing the impact of your activities on sustainable development – particularly with regards …”
Key Quotes
“We appreciated your time and your willingness to explore a variety of subjects in detail during the session.”
“During the hearing, you made a number of commitments to provide further information, and time constraints meant some issues could not be explored fully.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗