The government will use water company fines to fund regional initiatives aimed at cleaning up our lakes, rivers, and oceans.
More than £100 million in fines and penalties that have been imposed on water corporations since October 2023, along with more fines and penalties in the future, will be used to fund initiatives to purify our waters, which may include regional initiatives to reduce pollution and enhance water quality.
It is illegal for water providers to violate their environmental permits, for as by discharging excessive amounts of pollutants into a river. In the most severe situations, such as unlawful sewage spills, water companies are fined and water executives are prosecuted.
As part of a new operation led by Environment Secretary Steve Reed, a record 81 criminal investigations have been opened against water firms under this government.
This government is adamant that the amount of sewage currently being dumped into our waters is intolerable. Under the direction of Sir Jon Cunliffe, we have started an independent assessment to overhaul the water sector’s regulatory framework and provide investors and consumers with a fair deal.
With a generational review of the industry, a record investment to repair broken pipes, and heightened enforcement against polluting water corporations, the government is dedicated to cleaning up our rivers, lakes, and oceans as part of its Plan for Change.
“We inherited a broken water system with record levels of sewage being pumped into waters,” stated Secretary of State Steve Reed.
However, the days of making money off of failure are passed. Under this administration, a record 81 criminal investigations have been opened against water firms, and Ofwat just revealed the highest penalties ever imposed on a water provider.
“This government will use the money it receives from fines to fund regional initiatives aimed at permanently cleaning up our lakes, rivers, and oceans.
Source : GOV.UK
