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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of (a) wider reform one and (b) other proposed changes to the Bathing Water Regulations 2013 on the ecology of bathing waters; and what steps she is taking to help (i) support anglers, (ii) protect aquatic habitats and (iii) encourage payments by water companies for environmental improvements.

Bathing waters are a vital public amenity. This Government is committed to improving the quality of our coastal waters, rivers and lakes for the benefit of the environment and everyone who uses it.

We have begun policy development and research to determine how best to implement both the wider reforms detailed in the Government’s consultation response published in March 2025. As part of the policy development, we are currently scoping appropriate studies to take into account any potential environmental, societal and access impacts of these reforms. We are keen to work closely with stakeholders as we develop our policy, including groups who represent anglers and other water users.

Additionally, PR24 WINEP will be the most ambitious programme yet, with a total expenditure commitment of £22 billion secured under the scheme to fund ‘targeted interventions’ which will lead to improvements in water infrastructure to secure habitats, biodiversity and water quality, including bathing waters.