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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to consult with recreational user groups during the development of the proposed White Paper on water reform.

The Government is considering the approach to improving access to nature, including for recreational water users, and is committed to working with stakeholders as this develops.

Extensive consultation with stakeholders took place during the Independent Water Commission’s review of the water sector. The government will continue to engage key stakeholders as it develops its full policy response to the recommendations.

A new partnership between Government, the sector, investors and communities will deliver the change the public expects.