Asked by: Dan Aldridge (Labour - Weston-super-Mare)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she will review the eligibility criteria for the WaterSure scheme to ensure that households with a medically certified need to use more water are eligible for support regardless of whether they receive qualifying means-tested benefits.
Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The Government has committed to reform the WaterSure scheme, including eligibility criteria. These reforms were consulted on July to September 2025. The changes to the scheme will expand eligibility to include households in receipt of non-means-tested disability benefits – meaning a further 53,000 low-income households with a medical need of high-water use are expected to save around £325 per year. Government intends to implement these reforms in early 2027, subject to parliamentary processes. The Government response to the consultation can be found on GOV.UK.
Asked by: Dan Aldridge (Labour - Weston-super-Mare)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to (a) promote competition and (b) expand consumer choice in the water sector.
Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Ofwat has a primary duty set out in Section 2 of the Water Industry Act 1991 to carry out its relevant functions in the way it considers best to protect the interests of consumers by, where appropriate, promoting effective competition.
There are existing competitive markets in the sector. All businesses in England are already able to choose their water retailer as part of the business retail market. Housing developers also have flexibility over whether they contract with incumbent water companies or 'New Appointments and Variations’. Both of these markets can provide an improved level of service to customers.
The Independent Water Commission makes a number of recommendations intended to strengthen competition within the water sector and protect consumers. The Government has already announced immediate actions, such as the creation of a water ombudsman to protect consumers in disputes. A White Paper setting out further detail will be published and consulted on this autumn, forming the basis of a new water bill.
Asked by: Dan Aldridge (Labour - Weston-super-Mare)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the risks of using (a) disposable and (b) portable barbecues in public places.
Answered by Mary Creagh
This Government has not made an assessment of the risks of using disposable and portable barbecues in public places. Research published under the previous Government considered the risks posed by disposable barbecues. This is available at: Sky Lanterns, Single-Use Barbecues and Helium Balloons - Risks and Mitigation Options - EV04104.
Local authorities already have powers to apply local controls on the use of disposable barbeques on council or public land.