The National Audit Office (NAO) is warning of serious weaknesses which are currently limiting the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs’ ability to make evidence-based decisions about where to deploy its resources, and to understand wider impacts of its regulatory approach.

In his final speech on water, Sir James Bevan reflected on the debate around water quality over his seven years as Chief Executive, saying that more facts and not assertions are needed on water and warning that it will be “particularly challenging” to achieve good status for all rivers in England.

Wessex Water has set out its vision and priorities for a cleaner, more sustainable future – and told the Government that a new approach to regulation is needed if it wants to meet its bold commitment to improve the environment within a generation.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Natural England has launched a new consultation on new, long-term environmental targets announced by the government.

Wessex Water is warning that water and sewerage company regulation must be revolutionised now if the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan (25 YEP) is to meet its bold ambitions.

The new Office for Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) will formally start work week when Parliament takes the steps needed for the establishment of its full powers and functions from Monday 24 January.

The Government has brought in new measures in the Environment Bill to tackle storm overflows with a new requirement for water companies to monitor the water quality impacts of their sewage discharges and publish the information.

South East Water is set to become the first UK water company to create a 25 Year Plan for the environment.

The National Audit Office has raised wide-ranging concerns warning that without clear plans and goals, the Government risks failing to achieve its 25 year environmental targets set out in its 25 year plan.

New figures released by the Environment Agency have revealed that none of the river, lakes and streams are classed as in good health in England, despite a target for all waters to be in good health by 2027.