Written questions by Morello.

What support is available for traditional boat building skills' educational programmes in coastal communities.

The department supports all learners in coastal areas who wish to have a career in boatbuilding through its technical education offer, with a range of high-quality qualifications and apprenticeship opportunities available. This includes specific qualifications and apprenticeships in boatbuilding together with apprenticeships and qualifications, including T levels, in such subjects as marine engineering, carpentry, design, construction and welding, all of which provide knowledge and skills that support careers in boatmaking.

What steps her Department is taking to provide (a) education and (b) training opportunities to support women to pursue careers in traditional boat building.

The department supports all learners in coastal areas who wish to have a career in boatbuilding through its technical education offer, with a range of high-quality qualifications and apprenticeship opportunities available. This includes specific qualifications and apprenticeships in boatbuilding together with apprenticeships and qualifications, including T levels, in such subjects as marine engineering, carpentry, design, construction and welding, all of which provide knowledge and skills that support careers in boatmaking.

What steps her Department is taking to support (a) education and (b) training in traditional boat building skills in West Dorset constituency.

The department supports all learners in coastal areas who wish to have a career in boatbuilding through its technical education offer, with a range of high-quality qualifications and apprenticeship opportunities available. This includes specific qualifications and apprenticeships in boatbuilding together with apprenticeships and qualifications, including T levels, in such subjects as marine engineering, carpentry, design, construction and welding, all of which provide knowledge and skills that support careers in boatmaking.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to help improve the (a) transparency and (b) public accessibility of water quality data for (i) rivers and (ii) lakes.

The Environment Agency’s Water Hub is a dedicated, easily accessible space bringing together publicly available guidance, data and news relating to water. The Environment Agency processes and publishes vast amounts of data, including bathing water data, storm overflows, catchment data, water quality data, which can be accessed via the Water Data Explorer. This government believes that it is important that we invest in the most appropriate type of monitors to ensure we gain valuable information on sewage discharges. Since 1 January 2025, water companies have been required to publish data related to discharges from all storm overflows within one hour of the discharge beginning. The Secretary of State has authorised Ofwat to carry out enforcement action for this duty, in accordance with the powers conferred under sections 18 and 141DA (4) of the Water Industry Act 1991. Ofwat’s enforcement powers provide for a wide range of enforcement activity, including substantial penalties. Ofwat is monitoring compliance with the duty to report relevant data in real time. Where it detects non-compliance, it will take appropriate enforcement action. In addition to this, the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 has introduced an equivalent duty for water companies to publish data related to discharges from all emergency overflows within one hour of the discharge beginning. Once commenced, this duty will be enforced in the same way. During the bathing water season, 451 designated bathing waters benefit from water quality monitoring by the Environment Agency (EA) – enabling the public to make informed decisions about where to swim. This data is published on the EA’s Swimfo bathing waters website so that the public can make an informed decision before swimming here. The Natural Capital Ecosystem Assessment programme (NCEA) is producing a statistically robust baseline assessment of the health of England’s rivers and lakes. The baseline data and outputs will be made publicly accessible, enabling the private sector, central and local governments, and third sectors to use these products to understand the condition of our ecosystems and put nature at the heart of decision-making.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the impact of nitrogen leaching from agriculture on (a) water quality and (b) biodiversity in West Dorset constituency.

The levels of nitrogen losses from agriculture are unacceptable. That is why we are focused on working with farmers across the country to reduce pollution and clean up our waters. Regulations are in place to address nitrogen and wider pollution from agriculture and the Environment Agency (EA) continue to conduct over 4,000 inspections nationally each year to support farmers to comply. The EA has also worked closely with farmers and land managers to implement a bespoke, target-led approach across the Poole Harbour catchment, support by an innovative voluntary farmer-led scheme, to improve farm practices, reduce nutrient losses and enable ecological recovery.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to collaborate with (a) local communities and (b) environmental organisations to restore chalk stream (i) habitats and (ii) biodiversity.

This Government is committed to building stronger ties and working collaboratively on shared priorities to restore chalk streams, these unique water bodies are not just vital ecosystems, but a symbol of our national heritage. In the financial year (2024/25), through the Water Environment Improvement Fund, the Government’s aim was to fund 45 projects (worth £2.5 million of government investment) that improve chalk streams, each with the injection of private investment, and through the Water Resources Chalk Partnership Fund, in the same financial year, the Environment Agency was aiming to deliver 21 Chalk Partnership projects, aimed at safeguarding these rare and irreplaceable habitats.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to regulate water abstraction rates to sustainable levels in chalk stream catchment areas.

The Environment Agency takes action where water abstraction is adversely impacting the water environment. Implementation of the Water Industry Natural Environment Programme between now and 2030 will result in an additional £170 million being invested by water companies to improve river flows in chalk streams. In June, the Environment Agency will launch an update to the Water Resource National Framework. This update includes placing chalk streams environmental needs at the centre of long-term water resource planning decision making. Investment in national water resource infrastructure and water demand management will be needed to secure sustainable water abstraction in chalk streams.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to (a) help reduce pollution levels in England's chalk streams and (b) to monitor the effectiveness of these steps.

The Government is committed to the protection and restoration of our cherished chalk streams. We have taken immediate action to clean up our waterways, including a new Water (Special Measures) Act which will bring criminal charges against those who persistently break the law. In October last year we launched an independent commission into the water sector regulatory system to deliver transformative change to the water system. We are investing in initiatives to improve chalk streams including 45 projects in 24/25 through the Water Environment Improvement Fund. As part of the Water Resources Chalk Partnership Fund, in 24/25 the Government will contribute £1 million for chalk stream projects with partners on 30 projects, aimed at safeguarding these rare and irreplaceable habitats.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the risk of flooding in (a) Bothenhampton, (b) Bridport, (c) Maiden Newton, (d) Ryme Intrinseca, (e) Yetminster and (f) Chilfrome.

Protecting communities around the country from flooding is one of the Secretary of State’s five core priorities. That is why we set up a Flood Resilience Taskforce to provide oversight of national and local flood resilience and preparedness ahead of and after the winter flood season. Over the last few years, we have seen the wettest winters since 1871. Sadly, some communities experienced flooding multiple times and in quick succession. The Environment Agency (EA) has recently published new data showing 6.3 million properties across England are in areas at risk of flooding from one or a combination of rivers, the sea and surface water. These maps are available online and show the latest predictions of flood risk now, and with an allowance for climate change. The EA operates a flood warning service informing communities of flood risk and when to take precautions. They work closely with partner organisations, through the Local Resilience Forum, to plan and prepare for localised incidents and wider emergencies. The EA operates a wide range of flood defence assets and has an operational response team, which manages the operation of these assets during flooding. In case flood defence assets are exceeded or fail, the EA has well-rehearsed contingency plans which can be deployed to mitigate effects. The EA continues to build strong relationships with local communities to improve community flood resilience. Through the flood warden programme, the EA engages regularly with volunteers and Parish Councils. Engagement takes place where the risk is highest and where we receive the highest number of reported flooded properties.

Food and Rural Affairs, what data his Department holds on the proportion of household waste sent to landfill in West Dorset constituency.

Data on household waste is collected via the publicly available Waste Data Flow Portal (https://www.wastedataflow.org/). Information is submitted on a local authority basis rather than constituency. Dorset Council, which includes West Dorset, sent 4,547 tonnes of household waste to landfill (2.7% of 170,080 tonnes collected) based on the latest data covering 2022/23.

Food and Rural Affairs, what flood prevention measures he has planned for (a) Bothenhampton, (b) Bridport, (c) Maiden Newton, (d) Ryme Intrinseca, (e) Yetminster and (f) Chilfrome.

As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, a record £2.65 billion will be invested over two years in building, maintaining and repairing flood defences, better protecting 52,000 properties by March 2026. Around 1,000 projects will receive funding in 24/25 and 25/26. Investment in flood risk management schemes takes place where the risk is highest, wherever it is across the country. Each scheme is carefully considered to determine whether and how far it will benefit the most people and property. An initial assessment of the flood defences in Bridport determined that maintenance of the existing defences is the most cost-effective option. Bridport remains on the pipeline programme to revisit in 10 years. Bothenhampton, Maiden Newton and Yetminster are not included in the current pipeline programme. However, these areas should see flood risk benefits at a catchment scale due to the influence of Natural Flood Management (NFM) projects in the area. The Environment Agency (EA) is working with organisations such as the Dorset National Landscape Partnership to deliver a NFM project across the Brit catchment that will reduce flood risk to communities such as Beaminster. The River Brit project received a share of £25million in Government funding. In Maiden Newton, Dorset Wildlife Trust is gathering data on the impact of beavers to flood risk at Kingcombe Nature reserve at the headwaters of the Frome. At Yetminster, Yeovil Rivers Trust is installing NFM measures in the headwaters of the Wriggle to slow the flow and attenuate floodwater. The EA is proposing to desilt the Maiden Newton Flood Alleviation Channel this year.

Food and Rural Affairs, how he is involving local communities in (a) Bothenhampton, (b) Bridport, (c) Maiden Newton, (d) Ryme Intrinseca, (e) Yetminster and (f) Chilfrome in developing flood resilience strategies.

Protecting communities around the country from flooding is one of the Secretary of State’s five core priorities. That is why we set up a Flood Resilience Taskforce to provide oversight of national and local flood resilience and preparedness ahead of and after the winter flood season. Over the last few years, we have seen the wettest winters since 1871. Sadly, some communities experienced flooding multiple times and in quick succession. The Environment Agency (EA) has recently published new data showing 6.3 million properties across England are in areas at risk of flooding from one or a combination of rivers, the sea and surface water. These maps are available online and show the latest predictions of flood risk now, and with an allowance for climate change. The EA operates a flood warning service informing communities of flood risk and when to take precautions. They work closely with partner organisations, through the Local Resilience Forum, to plan and prepare for localised incidents and wider emergencies. The EA operates a wide range of flood defence assets and has an operational response team, which manages the operation of these assets during flooding. In case flood defence assets are exceeded or fail, the EA has well-rehearsed contingency plans which can be deployed to mitigate effects. The EA continues to build strong relationships with local communities to improve community flood resilience. Through the flood warden programme, the EA engages regularly with volunteers and Parish Councils. Engagement takes place where the risk is highest and where we receive the highest number of reported flooded properties.

Food and Rural Affairs, what emergency response plans are in place for severe flooding events in (a) Bothenhampton, (b) Bridport, (c) Maiden Newton, (d) Ryme Intrinseca, (e) Yetminster and (f) Chilfrome.

Protecting communities around the country from flooding is one of the Secretary of State’s five core priorities. That is why we set up a Flood Resilience Taskforce to provide oversight of national and local flood resilience and preparedness ahead of and after the winter flood season. Over the last few years, we have seen the wettest winters since 1871. Sadly, some communities experienced flooding multiple times and in quick succession. The Environment Agency (EA) has recently published new data showing 6.3 million properties across England are in areas at risk of flooding from one or a combination of rivers, the sea and surface water. These maps are available online and show the latest predictions of flood risk now, and with an allowance for climate change. The EA operates a flood warning service informing communities of flood risk and when to take precautions. They work closely with partner organisations, through the Local Resilience Forum, to plan and prepare for localised incidents and wider emergencies. The EA operates a wide range of flood defence assets and has an operational response team, which manages the operation of these assets during flooding. In case flood defence assets are exceeded or fail, the EA has well-rehearsed contingency plans which can be deployed to mitigate effects. The EA continues to build strong relationships with local communities to improve community flood resilience. Through the flood warden programme, the EA engages regularly with volunteers and Parish Councils. Engagement takes place where the risk is highest and where we receive the highest number of reported flooded properties.

Food and Rural Affairs, what role natural flood management solutions play in flood defence plans for (a) Bothenhampton, (b) Bridport, (c) Maiden Newton, (d) Ryme Intrinseca, (e) Yetminster and (f) Chilfrome.

As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, a record £2.65 billion will be invested over two years in building, maintaining and repairing flood defences, better protecting 52,000 properties by March 2026. Around 1,000 projects will receive funding in 24/25 and 25/26. Investment in flood risk management schemes takes place where the risk is highest, wherever it is across the country. Each scheme is carefully considered to determine whether and how far it will benefit the most people and property. An initial assessment of the flood defences in Bridport determined that maintenance of the existing defences is the most cost-effective option. Bridport remains on the pipeline programme to revisit in 10 years. Bothenhampton, Maiden Newton and Yetminster are not included in the current pipeline programme. However, these areas should see flood risk benefits at a catchment scale due to the influence of Natural Flood Management (NFM) projects in the area. The Environment Agency (EA) is working with organisations such as the Dorset National Landscape Partnership to deliver a NFM project across the Brit catchment that will reduce flood risk to communities such as Beaminster. The River Brit project received a share of £25million in Government funding. In Maiden Newton, Dorset Wildlife Trust is gathering data on the impact of beavers to flood risk at Kingcombe Nature reserve at the headwaters of the Frome. At Yetminster, Yeovil Rivers Trust is installing NFM measures in the headwaters of the Wriggle to slow the flow and attenuate floodwater. The EA is proposing to desilt the Maiden Newton Flood Alleviation Channel this year.

Food and Rural Affairs, what funding he has allocated for flood defence improvements in (a) Bothenhampton, (b) Bridport, (c) Maiden Newton, (d) Ryme Intrinseca, (e) Yetminster and (f) Chilfrome over the next five years.

As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, a record £2.65 billion will be invested over two years in building, maintaining and repairing flood defences, better protecting 52,000 properties by March 2026. Around 1,000 projects will receive funding in 24/25 and 25/26. Investment in flood risk management schemes takes place where the risk is highest, wherever it is across the country. Each scheme is carefully considered to determine whether and how far it will benefit the most people and property. An initial assessment of the flood defences in Bridport determined that maintenance of the existing defences is the most cost-effective option. Bridport remains on the pipeline programme to revisit in 10 years. Bothenhampton, Maiden Newton and Yetminster are not included in the current pipeline programme. However, these areas should see flood risk benefits at a catchment scale due to the influence of Natural Flood Management (NFM) projects in the area. The Environment Agency (EA) is working with organisations such as the Dorset National Landscape Partnership to deliver a NFM project across the Brit catchment that will reduce flood risk to communities such as Beaminster. The River Brit project received a share of £25million in Government funding. In Maiden Newton, Dorset Wildlife Trust is gathering data on the impact of beavers to flood risk at Kingcombe Nature reserve at the headwaters of the Frome. At Yetminster, Yeovil Rivers Trust is installing NFM measures in the headwaters of the Wriggle to slow the flow and attenuate floodwater. The EA is proposing to desilt the Maiden Newton Flood Alleviation Channel this year.

Food and Rural Affairs, what proportion of waste is sent to landfill (a) in West Dorset constituency and (b) nationally.

In 2022 there was 41.3 million tonnes (21.4%) of waste sent to landfill in England. This is the latest publicly available information and is published on gov.uk (UK statistics on waste - GOV.UK). Defra does not hold data on total waste sent to landfill in West Dorset.

Food and Rural Affairs, if the Minister for Water and Flooding will meet with the hon. Member for West Dorset to discuss solutions for the water quality of the River Lim.

My Defra private office handles all meeting requests. Please contact them directly to request a meeting.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of fire station closures on public safety in (a) Dorset and (b) Wiltshire.

Decisions about how Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) are run, and how their resources are allocated are a matter for Chief Fire Officers and their democratically elected Fire and Rescue Authorities (FRAs). They are responsible for meeting the needs of local communities in accordance with their Community Risk Management Plans (CRMPs)His Majesty’s Inspectorate for Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) carries out inspections for each FRS in England to give the public a clear, independent and impartial assessment of performance in each service.  Overall, fire and rescue authorities will receive around £2.87 billion in 2024/25. In 2025/26, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority has a core spending power of £74.9m, an increase of £2.4m or 3.3% compared to 2024/25. The Final Local Government Finance Settlement for 2025/26, (published on 3 February 2025) sets out that standalone Fire and Rescue Authorities, such as Dorset and Wiltshire, will see an increase in core spending power of up to £65.5 million in 2025/26. Including the National Insurance Contribution Grant, this is an increase of 3.6 per cent in cash terms compared to 2024/25.

Food and Rural Affairs, what flood prevention measures are in place for (a) Bothenhampton, (b) Bridport, (c) Maiden Newton, (d) Ryme Intrinseca, (e) Yetminster and (f) Chilfrome.

As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, a record £2.65 billion will be invested over two years in building, maintaining and repairing flood defences, better protecting 52,000 properties by March 2026. Around 1,000 projects will receive funding in 24/25 and 25/26. The Environment Agency (EA) maintains a variety of flood defence assets which require differing levels of maintenance. These defences are maintained to ensure the standard of protection specified by the flood alleviation scheme. They are regularly inspected for signs of defects, with appropriate remedial action undertaken when necessary. The EA maintains a flood alleviation scheme throughout Bridport and Maiden Newton to protect properties at risk of flooding. Yetminster has its own flood alleviation scheme, comprising of an embankment and walls with a series of flapped outfalls to manage surface water drainage. Since 2016, the EA has invested in Property Flood Resilience measures that better prevent flooding to 12 properties.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure fire and rescue services have sustainable funding to maintain emergency response capabilities and prevention services.

Government funding for fire and rescue services is provided by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) through the Local Government Finance Settlement. Overall, fire and rescue authorities will receive around £2.87 billion in 2024/25. In 2025/26, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority has a core spending power of £74.9m, an increase of £2.4m or 3.3% compared to 2024/25. The Final Local Government Finance Settlement for 2025/26, (published on 3 February 2025) sets out that standalone Fire and Rescue Authorities, such as Dorset and Wiltshire, will see an increase in core spending power of up to £65.5 million in 2025/26. Including the National Insurance Contribution Grant, this is an increase of 3.6 per cent in cash terms compared to 2024/25. It is the responsibility of each Fire and Rescue Authority to determine how to allocate the funding that they receive based on its analysis of risk and local circumstances. Officials in the Home Office and MHCLG are working with the National Fire Chiefs Council to collate evidence on the fire and rescue sector’s funding needs to HM Treasury. Decisions on any capital funding will be subject to an assessment at the next Spending Review.