To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to help ensure that sewage systems are upgraded.

We recognise the importance of having a robust drainage system for now and the future.

All English water companies have published Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans which outline improvements to drainage and wastewater systems over the next 25-30 years. These plans follow the priorities and expectations of the government, which are set out in published Guiding Principles.

The next publication of Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans, in 2028, will be statutory and Government will have powers to direct companies to consider additional matters.

In August 2022 the Government launched an ambitious plan to reduce sewage discharges from storm overflows. Delivering this plan will require the largest infrastructure programme ever delivered by water companies - £56 billion capital investment over 25 years.