Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 46
46
Paragraph: 235
We intend to invite the regulator to appear before this Committee routinely to discuss Ofwat’s...
Conclusion
We intend to invite the regulator to appear before this Committee routinely to discuss Ofwat’s progress against the objectives of the new Strategic Policy Statement for the regulator which is shortly to be published by Ministers.
Paragraph Reference:
235
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Through the Comprehensive Spending Review in November 2021 and subsequent budget determination process, Defra has reviewed the Environment Agency’s Grant-in-Aid water quality budget. The department has made significant increases to the Environment Agency’s budget for inspections and enforcement of the farming sector and water companies, allowing 500 sewerage inspections per year and 4000 farms visits. In addition to increased funding to enable the Environment Agency to modernise and digitise their water quality monitoring system. The Environment Agency also receives charging funds from permits that it can use to increase compliance.