Written question WQ85739

The Usk Catchment Partnership will be the primary route where stakeholders will come together to work collaboratively to coordinate actions to share local knowledge and drive forward better outcomes for the Usk catchment and its people. By taking this approach, we will be improving community engagement, and be able to better take account of local circumstances and priorities.

I have just announced funding to support the work of the Usk Catchment Partnership. The details are being finalised, but the grant funding will help the Partnership with resourcing costs and cover some of the consultancy and research fees associated with the delivery of a nutrient management plan. It is only by taking a Team Wales approach - where Government, regulators and stakeholders work together that we can tackle the multiple sources of pollution impacting the River Usk.

River Basement Management Plans are a holistic approach towards managing the water environment, are the main mechanism for improving water quality. The implementation of the plans is based on catchment partnerships and cross-sectoral cooperation between a wide variety of stakeholders. Local authorities, NGOs, the farming sector, angling bodies, universities, energy companies, utility companies and local action groups are amongst those involved in delivering them. The latest plans were published on 18 July.

Investment, legislative drivers and a robust regulatory framework are driving evidence led improvements in the Usk catchment. We are committed to improving water quality, but we cannot do this alone. We are leading an integrated catchment approach focusing on multi-sector co-operation and nature-based solutions to drive water quality improvements. By taking this approach and improving community engagement we will be better able to take account of local circumstances and priorities.