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Written question asked by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Friday, 16 February 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 20 February 2024. It was answered by Robbie Moore (Conservative) on Thursday, 29 February 2024 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Water Companies: Waste Disposal

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with (a) the Environment Agency and (b) Ofwat on the adequacy of their capacity to investigate breaches of permits by water companies.

Answer

The Secretary of State has regular discussions with Ofwat and the Environment Agency to discuss a range of issues associated with regulation including investigations and enforcement.

The government is committed to ensuring the regulators have the tools they need to hold water companies to account. Therefore, in May 2023 Ofwat announced that its enforcement capacity would be trebled, following the approval of an £11.3 million funding budget increase from Government. The Government has also boosted funding for the Environment Agency with £2.2 million per year specifically for enforcement activity.

On 20 February, we announced that we are significantly increasing our oversight of the water industry. The number of Environment Agency inspections, including unannounced inspections, will rise to 4,000 by the end of March 2025 – a fourfold increase. Our consultation on increasing permit charges for water companies to enable these inspections is underway and due to close shortly.

The Government and regulators will continue to work together to hold water companies to account for poor performance.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
14394
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Environment Agency Ofwat Waste disposal Water companies
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk