Britain Will Make It Easier to Fine Water Firms for Pollution

The UK plans to make it easier to fine water companies that harm the environment, ramping up pressure on firms blamed for chronic sewage spills.

The government wants to allow the Environment Agency to impose “quicker penalties of up to £500,000 ($669,000),” it said in a statement on Tuesday. The move would effectively lower the standard of proof needed to enforce fines, making it simpler to hold water companies to account.