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

To ask Her Majesty's Government how much they estimate the completion of the Silecroft to Silverdale section of the England Coast Path, referenced in the Natural England North West stretch update on 7 October, will cost; how much of that cost has already been allocated; and from what sources.

Natural England’s estimates for the costs of establishing this stretch are summarised within the individual published reports relating to the stretch. These total £2,106,819 (exclusive of any VAT payable). Subject to budgets, establishment costs will be met entirely by Natural England, via grants to Cumbria County Council (as access authority responsible for completing the works). Allocation of budget and grant provision would follow the approval of Natural England’s proposals by the Secretary of State.