Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Brian Mathew and Emma Hardy

Thursday 19th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Emma Hardy]

The annual sea defence charge is a legal obligation that was placed on property owners in Sovereign Harbour in 1988, so it was introduced under Thatcher and was unchanged under the coalition. It contributes to the maintenance of the harbour and the sea defences on the south coast between Pevensey Bay and Eastbourne. We spent nearly £5 million this year, and plan to invest over £100 million over the next decade. Of that £5 million, £400,000 comes from the rent charge in 2026-27. We have also secured record funding of £1.4 billion for over 600 flood schemes across all regions in England.

[Brian Mathew (Melksham and Devizes) (LD)]

2. What progress she has made on banning snare traps.