51AVÊÓÆµ

EA forks out over £87,000 on contract to improve its 'negative reputation'

Bridgwater MP Sir Ashley Fox said the money could have been better used to help farmers dredge rivers and alleviate pressure communities face with flooding

Chris Brayford
clock • 3 min read
Sir Ashley Fox, MP for Bridgwater, said: "It is absolutely galling to discover that the EA is wasting thousands of pounds of taxpayer money on combatting its 'negative reputation'. I can give them [the Environment Agency] advice for free: next time you want to spend £87,000 on ‘storytelling consultants’, use the money to dredge a river instead."
Image:

Sir Ashley Fox, MP for Bridgwater, said: "It is absolutely galling to discover that the EA is wasting thousands of pounds of taxpayer money on combatting its 'negative reputation'. I can give them [the Environment Agency] advice for free: next time you want to spend £87,000 on ‘storytelling consultants’, use the money to dredge a river instead."

More than £87,000 of taxpayer funding has been spent on helping the Environment Agency (EA) to improve its 'negative reputation'. Defra confirmed EA had awarded a three-month contract in April, worth...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Politics

'Ideally, we would have stability', says Reynolds in bid to continue ministerial role

'Ideally, we would have stability', says Reynolds in bid to continue ministerial role

Unveiling the Farmer Collaboration Fund at the Great Yorkshire Show, the Secretary of State reaffirms her 'passion' for the farming agenda

Mia Willemsen
clock 16 July 2026 • 3 min read
Defra announces Farmer Collaboration Fund at Great Yorkshire Show

Defra announces Farmer Collaboration Fund at Great Yorkshire Show

Emma Reynolds has unveiled a £30 million to help farmers collaborate, cut costs and build stronger businesses

Alex Black
clock 16 July 2026 • 2 min read
From the editor: Fire risk demands a rethink on land management

From the editor: Fire risk demands a rethink on land management

This week from the Farmers Guardian editor Katie Jones

Katie Jones
clock 16 July 2026 • 2 min read