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

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to respond to the issues raised by the Local Government Association Coastal Special Interest Group’s Coastal Landfill Survey Report, published on 30 November 2022, which found that in 26 councils coastal landfill sites are spilling waste into the sea.

I very much welcome the work that this group has and continues to do. The findings from the Local Government Association coastal special interest group survey will help to inform our planned evidence-based national assessment on the issues regarding these historic coastal landfill sites, which are varied and complex. This, together with a full review of previous and other current activity in this space, will enable us to consolidate and provide a true and accurate picture of the issue, and assist those local authorities who have the responsibility for managing these sites to identify the most effective and cost beneficial way forward.

My officials will continue to work closely with our LGA colleagues as this work progresses, and we value their continued insight and support.