Water execs face jail time in sewage crackdown

Steve Race, MP for Exeter, has praised the passing of the Water (Special Measures) Bill, which was approved by Parliament on 28 January and now awaits Royal Assent to become law.

The bill introduces strict measures to combat sewage pollution and hold water companies accountable.

The MP attended a parliamentary event hosted by 38 Degrees on 22 January, where River Action and Surfers Against Sewage joined discussions about the bill.

The legislation includes provisions to block bonuses for executives at polluting water companies, introduce criminal charges for persistent offenders, impose higher fines for wrongdoing, and mandate comprehensive monitoring of sewage outlets.

New measures also allow the Environment Agency to recoup enforcement costs from offending firms and introduce potential prison sentences of up to two years for executives obstructing investigations into environmental crimes.

Steve Race MP said: “I've been campaigning on water quality for several years, and I commend the work that River Action and Surfers Against Sewage have done to get this massive problem recognised. I value their information and support, which helps me to hold the water companies to account.

“I'm proud to have voted for the Water (Special Measures) Bill that has introduced new powers to block bonuses and for criminal charges for water executives who are persistent lawbreakers, new rules around mandatory monitoring of every sewage outlet, and automatic and severe fines for wrongdoing. In Exeter and Devon, we also need to look at the issue of agricultural run-off, and helping farmers to better manage their land.

“Ensuring our waterways are healthy is vital, as ever more people want to enjoy open water—kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming—and we work to improve our biodiversity and natural ecosystems.”

Veronica Hawking, Campaigns Director at 38 Degrees, said: “38 Degrees supporters in Exeter have been tirelessly campaigning for many years against the rising sewage being dumped in our local rivers and seas. This new legislation is an important first step in ending the sewage scandal once and for all. That’s why we, along with our partners at Surfers Against Sewage and River Action, were proud to take our campaign to parliament and ensure local MPs add their voice to demands that our rivers and seas are properly cleaned up once and for all.”

The passing of the bill has been welcomed by campaigners and marks a significant step forward in tackling sewage spills and protecting the environment.