Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 32
32
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 188
The water industry has failed to achieve the target, set by the Environment Agency, of...
Conclusion
The water industry has failed to achieve the target, set by the Environment Agency, of a 50% reduction in serious pollution incidents from their 2012 level by 2020. This is not an acceptable position.
Government response summary AI-generated
The Government acknowledges the water industry's failure to meet the pollution reduction target and describes actions being taken regarding wet wipes and disposable nappies, including a call for evidence and ongoing research, but does not directly address the target.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
188
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government · verbatim extract
Acknowledged
We have made clear to water companies that they must improve their environmental performance. Since 2015 the Environment Agency has brought 48 prosecutions against water companies, securing fines of over £137 million. Some of the biggest fines were imposed last year – including a record £90 million fine for Southern Water in July for thousands of illegal discharges – making clear that polluters will be made to pay for damage to the environment. Between 2020 and 2025, water companies will invest £7.1 billion in environmental improvements in England. Of this, £3.1 billion will be invested in storm overflow improvements specifically. Through the next Price Review (PR24), we are using the strategic policy statement to Ofwat, the economic regulator, to make it clear that the environment is a top priority.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗