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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has a target for the number of designated inland bathing water sites in England.

Defra does not have a target for the number of designated inland bathing water sites in England. However, the department welcomes applications for designation of both coastal waters and inland waters such as rivers. Anyone can apply, including local authorities, groups and individuals. Defra encourages applications by writing annually to the chief executive of every local authority in England and other key stakeholders such as swimming associations.

Our aim is to ensure the bathing waters application guidance is as clear as possible for applicants, and we will provide further information on any updates in due course.