Japanese Knotweed is an invasive non-native species with a range
of negative environmental effects in the UK. One such effect is
in the built environment, in terms of potential damage to
buildings and as a nuisance for homeowners and developers. The
presence of Japanese Knotweed is known to have an effect on
mortgage lending decisions and property valuations, although it
can also be effectively managed.
The Science and Technology Committee intends to hold a one-off
oral evidence session in early 2019 with relevant experts,
specifically to explore the science behind the effects of
Japanese Knotweed on the built environment. To inform that
session, written submissions are invited on the following issues
by Monday 31 December:
- What scientific evidence
exists on the effects of Japanese Knotweed on the built
environment;
- How the presence of
Japanese Knotweed in the UK affects mortgage lending decisions
and property valuations;
- Whether mortgage lending
decisions relating to the presence of Japanese Knotweed are
currently based on sound scientific evidence of its effects on
the built environment; and
- What guidance for the
sector currently exists, the impact of existing legislation, and
how else evidence-based responses to the presence of Japanese
Knotweed can be encouraged.
Tell us about your experience with Japanese
Knotweed
To prepare for this evidence session, the Committee
is also interested to hear from the public about their
experiences of dealing with Japanese Knotweed, whether as a
homeowner, tenant, prospective purchaser or
developer.
If you would like to tell the Committee about your personal
experiences then please fill in this dedicated webform.
The Committee intend intends to invite a group of people who have
responded to this form to an engagement event in Westminster
on Monday 21 January 2019, 5.30pm–7.00pm.
At the event, MPs will be asking participants more about their
experience.
If you would be available on this date and interested in
attending please let us know using this form. Space at the event
is strictly limited and will be by invitation, and we will
contact you with further details if there is space for you to
attend.
Submitting written evidence
Submit written evidence
via our inquiry page.
Each submission should:
a) be in Word format with as little use of logos as possible
b) have numbered paragraphs
c) include a declaration of interests.
Please note that:
- Material already
published elsewhere should not form the basis of a submission,
but may be referred to within a proposed memorandum.
- Memoranda submitted
must be kept confidential until published by the Committee,
unless publication by the person or organisation submitting it is
specifically authorised.
- Once submitted,
evidence is the property of the Committee. The Committee
normally, though not always, chooses to make public the written
evidence it receives, by publishing it on the internet (where it
will be searchable), by printing it or by making it available
through the Parliamentary Archives. If there is any information
you believe to be sensitive you should highlight it and
explain what harm you believe would result from its disclosure.
The Committee will take this into account in deciding whether to
publish or further disclose the evidence.
- Select Committees are
unable to investigate individual cases.
Submissions need not address every aspect of the terms of
reference and should be no longer than 3,000 words.
The Committee values diversity and seeks to ensure this where
possible. We encourage members of underrepresented groups to
submit written evidence.
More information on
submitting evidence to Select Committees.
