Water companies that pollute the water environment could face unlimited fines

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs stated in a press release on 1 April that the government’s Environment Secretary, Thérèse Coffey, is due to announced that the funds gained from tougher penalties and fines on water companies will be used to remedy the damage caused to the environment, as part of the Water Restoration Fund. The government’s Plan for Water, which will detail the steps being taken to tackle pollution, increase water supplies and strengthen the enforcement measures available to sanction water companies, is due to be published shortly. A consultation is also expected to be published on measures to strengthen the Environment Agency’s ability to impose sanctions on water companies without having to go through the courts.