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

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 9 January (HC 102582), when they intend to publish guidance on the circumstances in which Natural England may propose mandatory Environmental Delivery Plans.

Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs) that provide for mandatory levy payments will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. Guidance to Natural England will be issued before such EDPs are developed, and the reasons for mandating payment of the levy will always be clearly set out in the draft plan ahead of consultation.