Pollution fine cap removed

Unlimited fines for polluters have now come into force.

The previous £250,000 cap on Variable Monetary Penalties was scrapped on 11 December, and the range of offences they cover expanded. Defra said the penalties issued will be proportionate to the size of the company and the nature of the offence, in line with Sentencing Council guidelines.

Environment secretary, Steve Barclay, said: “Polluters should be in no doubt that if they harm our precious habitats and waterways they will pay.

“By lifting the cap on these sanctions, we are simultaneously toughening our enforcement tools and expanding where regulators can use them. These changes will deliver a proportionate punishment for operators that breach their permits and cause pollution.

“Through the launch of the Water Restoration Fund, the money raised from penalties imposed on water companies will go towards restoring and protecting our waters. This is part of the increased investment, stronger regulation and tougher enforcement we are delivering through our Plan for Water.”

Environment Agency executive director, John Leyland, said: “These new powers will allow us to deliver more penalties and help us to continue to hold polluters, including water companies, to account. The threat of uncapped financial penalties should boost compliance with environmental laws – helping us provide stronger protection to the environment, communities and nature.”