Written questions

Water Abstraction: Licensing

Commons · Question 29289 · Tabled 11 Sep 2026 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Official record

Answered 17 Sep 2026

Question

Asked by Patrick Spencer

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the abstraction licensing regime in providing protection for water resources during periods of prolonged drought in water-stressed areas

Answer

Answered by Emma Hardy, 17 Sep 2026

The Environment Agency protects rivers and groundwater through abstraction licence conditions and restrictions. The Government is improving resilience.