Summer Drought: Future Supply Disruption

Baroness Grender Excerpts

Thursday 3rd September 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

I have said previously to noble Lords that enabling farmers to hold more water and manage water better on their land is something that the Government are very keen to see and enable. We are also very aware of the huge problems that drought causes farming. We have been looking at how we can support farmers facing lower crop yields, for example. There are also increased feed costs and irrigation issues. I have held meetings with the poultry sector, for example, specifically on the problems of heat stress on poultry. It is something we are very keen to resolve because this will be a long-term problem.

[Baroness Grender (LD)]

My Lords, does the Minister think it sends the right signal that failing water companies which are currently losing 3 billion litres a day in leakage can find £75 million for an ad campaign to tell households to use less water, while government support for farmers hit by this summer’s drought was £65 million? Can she tell us whether that farmer support package will be in any way increased?

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

We are currently working with farmers to look at what support they need, not just in this area but in other areas because farmers are under pressure in many different areas. I agree with the noble Baroness about the issues around the water companies, which is why I hope to be bringing the new water Bill to this House shortly.