The $81 million promise unfulfilled

The UK government's Environment Secretary Steve Reed announced 81 criminal investigations into water companies for sewage pollution in 2023, describing it as the largest such action in history.

However, a Freedom of Information request by The Mail on Sunday reveals that beyond seven cases already in court, the Environment Agency has not brought any new charges.

The agency defended its record by stating that serious pollution incidents do not automatically constitute serious offences and noted that 58 inestigations remain ongoing.

Seven cases in court, but no new charges

According to the Environment Agency, seven cases are already in court, but these were initiated before the 2023 announcement.

The agency stated that it is taking robust action and has accelerated accountability measures compared to previous years.

Campaigners and opposition politicians cry foul

Campaigners and opposition politicians have criticized the lack of progress,calling the initiative 'smoke and mirrors' and accusing the government of failing to deliver on its promises .

The Environment Agency and the Department for Environment,Food and Rural Affairs maintained that they are taking robust action and have accelerated accountability measures compared to previous years.

What auditors flagged in the May filing

The Environment Agency's May filing revealed that it has not brought any new charges despite the 81 investigations.

Critics argue that the lack of enforcement is a failure of the govermnent's promises to tackle sewage pollution.