Water companies who commit environmental offences could face quicker penalties of up to £500,000, under changes being considered by the government.
A consultation has been launched to expand and strengthen the current range of financial penalties available to the Environment Agency (EA) in a bid to clamp down on more offences. Currently, the EA struggles to impose financial penalties for frequent, minor and moderate offending – such as some breaches of a licence or a permit.
This is because it needs to prove an offence to the same high legal standard used in criminal courts – making penalties too expensive and time-consuming to pursue for less serious offences. The changes would lower the standard of proof needed, making it much easier and quicker to hold water companies to account. These changes would sit alongside existing enforcement tools, including unlimited financial penalties – known as Variable Monetary Penalties – where offending is proved to a criminal standard. There would remain the option of prosecution for the most serious offences.
The move builds on immediate action the Government has already taken across the water sector – including blocking unfair bonuses for polluting water bosses – and will form part of the longer-term reforms.
Secretary of State, Emma Reynolds, said:
“I share the public’s anger at the current state of our water system, and this government is taking decisive action.
“I want to give the Environment Agency the teeth it needs to tackle all rule breaking. With new, automatic and tougher penalties for water companies, there will be swift consequences for offences – including not treating sewage to the required standard and maintenance failures.
“We are delivering on our Plan for Change by pushing ahead with reforms to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas.”
Local Labour MP Samantha Dixon, who has made improving the health of the River Dee and Dee Estuary a priority since her election, has welcomed this announcement.
“It’s great to see so much progress on delivering our manifesto pledge to clean up our waterways.
“Locally, the River Dee and Dee Estuary are such important assets to the community, supporting biodiversity, recreation, and wellbeing.
“Earlier this year I was proud to vote in support of our landmark Water (Special Measures) Act, which has seen the banning of unfair bonuses for polluting water bosses. This latest announcement will build on that work and the efforts being made locally, including through the regular Dee Summit meetings and the fantastic work of groups such as the Clean Dee Campaign.
“Labour are bringing forward systemic reform of the water sector, including £104 billion of private investment to fix crumbling infrastructure and build new reservoirs to ensure water security.”
The Dee Summit, convened regularly by Samantha Dixon MP, brings together local residents, environmental groups, councillors, and stakeholders to push for stronger action on sewage dumping, improved water quality, and protection of the River Dee’s unique biodiversity.
This new announcement will contribute to the ongoing local work to clean up the river, including the Clean Dee Campaign’s application for bathing water status for part of the River Dee, supported by Samantha Dixon MP.