Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has (a) held recent discussions with local stakeholders on (i) when bathing water status applications will reopen and (ii) the consultation of bathing water status and (b) taken recent steps to review the cost of applying to the bathing water scheme.

Both Defra Minsters and officials have been engaging with stakeholders before and following the launch of the public consultation. Following this consultation and analysis of responses, we will consider the most appropriate time to reopen applications for new bathing water designations. Defra will publish new application guidance once the Regulations have been reformed and will ensure that there continues to be a clear and easy-to-understand process for applying for bathing water designation.