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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will give Environment Agency a responsibility for improving (a) entry and (b) exit points for inland rivers to help support recreation.

The Government recognises the importance of access to nature for people’s health and well-being. The Environment Agency currently enhances recreation where it can demonstrate value for money, by integrating safe river entry and exit points into flood and asset management schemes. Access improvements are typically funded through navigation service improvements, asset renewal, or new flood alleviation projects, often with partnership contributions.

This approach delivers multi‑benefit outcomes; flood resilience, environmental protection, and recreational use, ensuring rivers remain accessible while safeguarding communities and respecting natural habitats.