Fri, 25 Apr 2025

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 Water bosses could now face jail for cover-ups

New powers mean law-breaking executives can be sent to prison for up to two years.

* Law-breaking water company executives in England and Wales can now face up to two years in prison if they fail to co-operate with investigations into sewage spills.
* The new powers aim to act as a "powerful deterrent" against companies that obstruct investigators.
* A report by the National Audit Office has accused government and regulators of failing to manage risk and drive investment in the water sector, leading to higher bills for customers.
* Consumer trust is at an "all-time low", with water companies being accused of polluting rivers and lakes, and paying dividends to shareholders instead of investing in infrastructure.
* The Environment Secretary said that regulation had been "weak and toothless" and called for greater accountability from the industry.
* Campaign group River Action welcomed the new measures but said they would only be effective if actual prison sentences were handed down.
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