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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans his Department has to make financial support available for schools to fund preventative measures to tackle (a) dog fouling and (b) littering in the vicinity of schools.

Local councils are responsible for keeping their public land clear of litter and refuse; which may include land in the vicinity of schools. The role of central Government is to enable and support this local action: providing a clear legal framework of rights, responsibilities and powers, setting national standards and, where possible, making sure that the costs of dealing with litter issues are passed to those responsible for causing the problem.

The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) have launched a £2m grant scheme for local authorities in England to apply for capital grants of between £10,000 and £25,000 to purchase new bins. This scheme is being funded by Defra.

The Department for Education funds schools so they are able to carry out statutory duties, including to keep school estates clear of litter and refuse. School funding is increasing significantly over the next three years, with the largest cash boost for schools in a decade. Core school funding is increasing by £2.6 billion in 2020-21, and will increase by £4.8 billion and £7.1 billion in 2021-22 and 2022-23 respectively, compared to 2019-20.

Around 80% of schools in England participate in the Eco-Schools programme, run in England by Keep Britain Tidy. This programme encourages pupils, parents and teachers to improve sustainability and reduce litter and waste in their schools and communities. That number of schools participating in this programme is growing, putting young people at the heart of environmental issues.