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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to reduce water (a) usage and (b) bills in her Department; and if she will make a statement.

Core Defra has reduced water consumption and costs through investment in water saving measures such as flow restrictors, rainwater harvesting, low flush toilet cisterns and waterless urinals. Smart metering also enables Core Defra to monitor and target excessive consumption, identify leaks and ensure building systems are operating to optimum efficiency.

Rationalisation of the estate has also delivered significant savings. For example, since April 2012 core Defra has reduced its London estate from four to two properties, making more efficient use of space and reducing water consumption as part of the overall strategy.