Defra announces measures to tackle pollution at source and build more homes

Article summary

The Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced measures to combat pollution and facilitate the construction of thousands of homes by upgrading over 140 wastewater treatment works in areas affected by nutrient neutrality advice. The measures are part of Defra's action to reduce pollution from existing and new homes and improve water quality through stronger regulation, stricter enforcement and increased investment. The measures further include a ban on bonuses for water company executives, increased regulatory capacity for the Environment Agency, reduction in civil penalties for polluters and removal of the civil penalty cap, allowing regulators to swiftly and easily take action against polluters.