Water companies who commit environmental offences could face quicker penalties of up to £500,000, under changes being considered by the government.

A consultation has been launched to expand and strengthen the current range of financial penalties available to the Environment Agency in a bid to clamp down on more offences.

Currently, the Environment Agency struggles to impose financial penalties for frequent, minor and moderate offending – such as some breaches of a licence or a permit. [1]

This is because it needs to prove an offence to the same high legal standard used in criminal courts - making penalties too expensive and time-consuming to pursue for less serious offences.

The changes would lower the standard of proof needed, making it much easier and quicker to hold water compani

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