To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help tackle environmental harm in (a) South Holland and the Deepings constituency and (b) Lincolnshire.

The Environment Agency (EA) plays a vital role in protecting the environment by regulating businesses in the energy, agriculture, and waste sectors, and serving as the environmental regulator for water companies. Through water permitting, it balances the needs of public water supply, agriculture, industry, and the environment. The EA enforces environmental laws, prosecutes polluters, and responds to major incidents like pollution and waste fires as a Category 1 Responder under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.

It advises on planning applications within its statutory remit, including in South Holland, South Kesteven, and Lincolnshire County Council areas, ensuring flood risk, climate change, and water quality are considered. The EA also works with Local Planning Authorities to embed environmental priorities in Local Plans.

In Lincolnshire, the EA combines flood defence with biodiversity enhancement, tackling invasive species and restoring natural river processes in partnership with Wildlife Trusts, River Trusts, and landowners.

In South Holland and The Deepings, the EA has led sustainable initiatives such as controlling Giant Hogweed and American mink, maintaining pollinator-friendly flood banks and hedgerows, and creating fish refuges at Crowland Washes. Sensitive operations at Cowbit Washes have also protected breeding avocets during flood recovery.