It is currently possible for water companies to operate sewerage infrastructure by applying retrospectively for the relevant environmental permits or planning permission. We believe this amounts to the avoidance of scrutiny, and that the Environment Agency is not fit for purpose.

We call on the Government to: End the practice of retrospective regularisation for sewerage infrastructure operating without valid permits. Mandate automatic prosecution by the Environment Agency for all unpermitted sewerage assets to ensure corporate accountability. Establish a transparent national registry of all water assets. The EA must obtain and document explicit informed consent from landowners before granting any permit for sewerage infrastructure operating on the landowner’s property.