EA introduces unlimited fines for polluting firms

Companies found to be polluting the environment can be issued with unlimited fines from 11 December onwards by the Environment Agency, as part of the government’s Plan for Water.

The fines affect all businesses with environmental permits, including those in the agricultural sector, water and waste companies, and process industries.

A £250,000 cap has been removed for variable monetary penalties, with penalties now due to be issued proportionate to the size of the company in question and the nature of the offence.