The government increases water company investigations in response to growing public anger over pollution in rivers and seas. Officials say 81 criminal probes into environmental violations have been launched since last July.
The Environment Agency is actively increasing investigations into alleged breaches, including excessive pollution discharges and poor water quality monitoring. Seven companies are now facing legal proceedings as a result of these probes.
The government credited the increase in investigations to a major recruitment drive. Around 400 new inspectors were hired after the election to strengthen enforcement. This effort builds on earlier plans by the Conservative government, which had pledged to quadruple inspections and add 500 staff.
None of the 81 investigations have yet resulted in convictions. However, the government said the cases, alongside increased water company scrutiny, could lead to fines worth hundreds of millions of pounds. Legal experts note that such cases often take years to conclude.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed said the current administration is “cleaning up the foul mess the Tories left behind.” He emphasized the government’s intent to hold polluting companies fully accountable.
Conservative officials defended their environmental record. A party spokesperson said reforms that saw an increase in company investigations began under their leadership, including bonus bans for executives of offending companies. They urged Labour to continue implementing those reforms without delay.
Campaign groups welcomed the increased scrutiny. James Wallace, CEO of River Action, noted that expanded investigations reflect growing public demand for action. He warned that jail time for executives is unlikely, as current laws only apply to obstruction, not pollution itself.
Southern Water received a record £126 million fine in 2019 for discharging wastewater and falsifying reports. Since then, pollution incidents have surged. Campaigners say recent data shows a ten-year high in such cases across England.
Greenpeace UK called for tougher accountability. Head of Politics Ami McCarthy said polluters had “got away with it for too long.” Increased government involvement, however, was urged to ensure customers don’t bear the cost of corporate fines.
Water UK, which represents the industry, agreed that increasing investigations ensures companies must be held accountable when they breach laws. However, they claimed that nearly 99% of treatment facilities comply with pollution limits and promised efforts to close the remaining gap.
As the government increases water company investigations, environmental advocates and residents alike await tangible improvements in water quality and stricter corporate oversight.
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