Written questions

Countryside Stewardship Scheme

Commons · Question 9100 · Tabled 11 Jun 2026 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Official record

Answered 18 Jun 2026

Question

Asked by Greg Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the delays in the processing of applications for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier on the level of environment protection, inc

Answer

Answered by Stephen Morgan, 18 Jun 2026

Since the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) scheme was launched in September 2025, the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has offered around 500 agreements. It was expected that applications submitted in the early stages of the scheme may take longer to...