To ask the Chancellor of the exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact on UK ports and harbour authorities of removing the landfill tax exemption for dredged material and stabilisers used in the treatment of dredgings from April 2027.

To ask the Chancellor of the exchequer, what engagement her Department has had with (a) the British Ports Association, (b) individual port operators and (c) river and canal authorities regarding the proposal to remove landfill tax exemptions relevant to dredging and port maintenance.

To ask the Chancellor of the exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of removing landfill tax exemptions relevant to ports on the viability of major industrial and green energy projects around UK waterways, including projects relating to flood protection and renewable energy.

To ask the Chancellor of the exchequer, with reference to the proposed removal of landfill tax exemptions for stabilisers used in dredged material, what assessment she has made of the potential environmental consequences of (a) delays to dredging, (b) reduced maintenance of contaminated waterways and (c) any resulting increase in flood risk.

The Government recognises the vital role that the ports sector plays in supporting the government’s objectives on transport and infrastructure. At the Budget, the Government announced it would legislate to remove the Landfill Tax exemption for stabilisers used in dredged material from April 2027.

This decision followed a consultation on reforms to Landfill Tax during which the government engaged with a range of stakeholders from key sectors. This decision will not prevent the use of stabilisers, but it will encourage businesses to limit their use to what is necessary.

The Government does not expect the change to have a significant impact on flood risk management as most material removed during routine waterway maintenance of rivers and canals is reused locally and deposited adjacent to the channel, avoiding the need for disposal at landfill sites.