To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he is taking to assist local communities and voluntary associations to clear rubbish and other debris from rivers and canals. (210313)

The bodies responsible for maintaining waterways frequently work with local communities and charitable organisations to clear rubbish and debris. In addition, DEFRA provides funding to ENCAMS, who will be launching the Big Tidy Up campaign later this year—this will help community and voluntary groups to get involved in cleaning up their neighbourhoods, including rivers and canals.