Water bosses must face the consequences

AHEAD of the general election, the state of our waterways was a big topic when talking to local residents about what mattered to them. Our rivers, seas, streams and lakes are all suffering from the result of illegal sewage spills. The government are taking action to ensure polluting water bosses in Gloucester and across the UK will face serious consequences.

- Alex McIntyre MP

The government's Water Act will ensure polluting water bosses face up to two years in prison. The new powers, delivered by the landmark Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, mean water executives who cover up or hide illegal sewage spills can now be locked up.

No prison sentences have been handed to water executives since privatisation despite widespread illegal sewage discharges into rivers, lakes and seas. These new, tougher penalties are essential because some water companies have obstructed investigations, failing to handover vital evidence related to illegal sewage discharges. This has prevented crackdowns against law-breaking water companies.