Watchdog loses battle to conceal bosses’ interests

CAMPAIGNERS have won a two-year battle to force a green regulator to stop hiding alleged conflicts of interest between its bosses and water companies.

- BY STEPH SPYRO Environment Editor

A tribunal ruled in favour of Windrush Against Sewage Pollution, which took action when the Environment Agency refused its request to reveal the financial interests of its area and regional directors.

The agency allows its staff to hold shares and business interests in companies it regulates. This is not permitted by water regulator Ofwat.

Ash Smith, from Oxfordshire-based water quality campaign group WASP, said he was “appalled” when the EA refused to be open about the holdings of those “who have so much control over regulation and the impact on water companies”.