Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to enable law enforcement to respond to the damage done to rural areas by disposable barbecues.

Current byelaw legislation allows for local authorities to restrict and enforce the use of disposable barbecues in parks and public spaces.

Defra is working with stakeholders to promote a series of guidance videos to educate users about accessing the countryside safely. This includes an updated Countryside Code which advises not to have barbecues or fires. This guidance is available at the following links:

Green space access: www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-on-accessing-green-spaces-safely

The Countryside Code: www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code/the-countryside-code

The Home Office Fire Kills campaign works closely with the National Fire Chiefs Council to support fire and rescue services to promote fire safety messaging about outdoor and barbecue safety.