Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of representations from the British Ports Association about the impact of removing the landfill tax exemption for dredging on major industrial developments, particularly in ports, rivers and canals; and what action they plan to take, if any, in response.

The Government recognises the vital role that the ports sector plays in supporting the government’s objectives on transport and infrastructure.

At the Budget in November 2025, the Government announced it would legislate to remove the Landfill Tax exemption for stabilisers used in dredged material from April 2027.

This decision followed a consultation on reforms to Landfill Tax during which the government engaged with a range of stakeholders, including representatives from the ports sector. This decision will not prevent the use of stabilisers, but it will encourage businesses to limit their use to what is necessary.

The Government does not expect the change to have a significant impact on flood risk management as most material removed during routine waterway maintenance of rivers and canals is reused locally and deposited adjacent to the channel, avoiding the need for disposal at landfill sites.