Written questions

Water: Shortages

Commons · Question 25211 · Tabled 28 Aug 2026 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Official record

Answered 8 Sep 2026

Question

Asked by Joshua Reynolds

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance her Department provides to water companies on granting exemptions from Temporary Use Bans for housing developments and construction sites.

Answer

Answered by Emma Hardy, 8 Sep 2026

Water companies are responsible for deciding whether to implement a Temporary Use Ban during periods of water scarcity and must do so in accordance with their statutory drought plans and the relevant legislative framework. Temporary Use Bans are intended ...