Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Water company fines to be channelled into environmental improvements

02 December 2022 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Proposed by Thérèse Coffey Con Suffolk Coastal

Environment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The UK government will redirect fines from water companies that pollute waterways to environmental improvement projects.
  • Future funding from these fines will be allocated to schemes that enhance water quality and environmental conditions.
  • The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs intends to propose higher civil penalties for water pollution violations.

Issue summary

The UK government is redirecting fines imposed on water companies that pollute rivers and seas towards environmental improvement projects.

Action requested

Future funding from fines will be invested in environmental and water quality improvement schemes. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs plans to bring forward proposals to raise civil penalties for water pollution.

Key facts

  • Since 2015, the Environment Agency has concluded 56 prosecutions against water companies with fines of over £141m.
  • Defra is proposing increased civil penalties for environmental polluters.
  • The Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan will require a £56 billion investment by 2050.
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