New powers under the Government’s landmark Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 have come into force today which could see water company bosses who cover up or hide illegal sewage spills face up to two years in prison.

The National Audit Office (NAO) has today published a highly critical report saying that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and water regulators have failed to drive necessary investment for the sector, which now faces significant environmental, supply and infrastructure challenges.

Two new Bills, introduced as Private Members Bills, both with potentially significant impacts for water companies, are due to have their Second readings in Parliament on Friday this week. 

The Environment Agency has today launched a new consultation on recovering costs for enforcement in full from water companies - following the introduction of the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, the Agency is now able to recover additional costs associated with regulating the water industry.

The independent review of Defra’s regulatory landscape led by economist Dan Corry is calling for reform on how regulators operate, with increased focus on place-based outcomes, greater focus from Defra on facilitating infrastructure projects in the right locations and potential reform of the Habitats Regulations and how they are applied..

The House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee has today launched a new inquiry to address the risks of PFAS forever chemicals within the UK’s regulatory approach.