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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on potential risks arising from workforce challenges caused by covid-19.

Defra is engaging with the waste industry, local authorities, the Environment Agency, and other relevant parties to discuss contingency planning for waste management as a result of potential workforce challenges posed by the spread of covid-19. These discussions include consideration of potential risks and impacts and whether further measures or resources funding might be necessary.