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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to increase funding for National Parks in England.

Protected Landscapes are our most iconic and inspiring places, underpinning our health, economy and climate. That’s why this government will empower Protected Landscapes to become greener, wilder and more accessible.

The Government is providing £45.2 million of core funding to the 10 National Park Authorities, with a capital uplift of up to £15 million to support their contribution to protecting 30% of land by 2030. In challenging financial circumstances, this uplift in capital investment is recognition of the vital importance of National Parks to government priorities. We have also extended programmes such as Farming in Protected Landscapes, providing £30 million to support projects in our National Landscapes and National Parks, until March 2026.

We understand resourcing remains a challenge and recognise that the Defra core grant is vital to support England’s Protected Landscapes. Given the pressures on public finances, we are also committed to working with Protected Landscapes organisations to unleash other income sources and foster innovation. For example, are we seeking to accelerate private investment in Protected Landscapes and introducing a general power of competence for National Park Authorities which will remove barriers to a more entrepreneurial approach.