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

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on animal welfare of the expected closure of some small and medium sized abattoirs as a result of the increases to inspection charges at meat premises for 2026/27 announced by the Food Standards Agency on 27 February.

Defra is not aware of the expected closure of any small or medium‑sized abattoirs as a result of the FSA’s updated inspection charges for 2026/27. We will continue to work with industry as the FSA implements reforms to its system of discounts on charges, on which it launched a 12‑week public consultation on 19 March. Under the proposals, the FSA would be able to target government support more effectively towards smaller abattoirs while minimising barriers to growth and providing better value for public money. More smaller abattoirs would also benefit from the maximum 90% discount on their charges.