The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee has published a call for evidence for its new inquiry about drought preparedness in England. 

The inquiry aims to understand how drought will affect England in the short and long term, particularly in response to climate change. 

It will also evaluate how effective drought response plans and processes are, including coordination and communication at national, regional and local level. 

Not only will the inquiry also aim to clarify how drought actions are prioritised, but it will also identify the opportunities for improved drought preparedness and response. 

Baroness Sheehan, chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee says “with the risk of drought increasing, it is a crucial time to take stock of the evidence on future drought risk, the Government’s drought response processes and evaluate the plans to mitigate the impacts of drought in the future”.

The Committee would like to hear from scientists, academics, water sector specialists, local authorities and anyone else who works in or is affected by this topic, Sheehan adds, as England is on course for a public water supply deficit of 5bn litres a day by 2055.

The list of questions, plus details on how to submit evidence can be found on the Lords Committee’s website. The deadline is Monday 24 November 2025.