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

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to introduce a dedicated support programme for small and local abattoirs, including assistance with veterinary inspection costs, regulatory compliance, and modernisation; and if not, what alternative measures they propose to ensure their long-term viability.

This Government recognises the important role small abattoirs play within the national food supply chain and remains committed to maintaining a resilient meat processing sector. Abattoirs currently receive support towards Official Control Regulation (OCR) charges through a tiered discount regime, with the smallest operators receiving up to a 90% discount. Following a public consultation between March and June 2026, the FSA Board is considering changes to target support more effectively and reduce regulatory burdens across the sector. Under the proposed approach, the smallest plants would receive a guaranteed 90% discount on OCR charges.