New penalties for environmental offences

The government has announced new financial penalties for water companies who commit environmental offences.

Under changes being considered by the government, water companies could face quicker penalties of up to £500,000. 

The Environment Agency says it currently struggles to impose financial penalties for frequent, minor and moderate offending, like licence or permit breaches, because it needs the same high legal standard of proof used in criminal courts. This means penalties are too expensive and time consuming to pursue for less serious offences.

The proposed changes would lower the level of proof needed.

A consultation has been launched which will consider allowing the Environment Agency to use a lower civil standard of proof, instead of criminal, for minor to moderate environmental offences; setting a cap at either £350,000 or £500,000 for penalties issued to the civil standard; and introducing new automatic penalties for specific and obvious breaches without the need for lengthy investigations.

Secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs 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."

Environment Agency chair, Alan Lovell, said: “We are dedicated to making sure water companies take full responsibility for environmental harm.  

“These changes would be a welcome boost to our current enforcement powers and allow us to deliver swifter and more appropriate penalties.  

“Through a larger workforce and upgraded digital tools, we can deter poor performance and achieve a cleaner water environment for communities and nature.”