DEFRA's budget is shaping the future of water management

The UK government has announced its largest-ever budget to tackle water pollution, providing the Environment Agency (EA) with over £189 million for the 2024/25 financial year

This investment marks the biggest increase in enforcement powers in a decade and is part of the government’s broader Plan for Change.

EA responsible for inspecting water companies and prosecuting environmental damage, will use the funding to recruit more enforcement officers, upgrade equipment, and implement modern technologies. Steve Reed, Environment Secretary said, "This government is cleaning them up, including the biggest boost to enforcement in a decade paid for by the water companies responsible for it.

In 2024 alone, the EA plans to conduct over 10,000 inspections of water company assets. Since July 2024, it has launched a record 81 criminal investigations into pollution incidents involving water companies.

The budget for the EA has increased by 64% since the 2023/24 financial year. Importantly, this increase is fully funded by charges paid by water companies—not by taxpayers.

 Reed emphasized the public's growing concern: "The public are furious about sewage pollution in our rivers, lakes and seas." He added, "Our changes give the water watchdog the resources they need to tackle pollution and clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good."

To ensure efficiency, EA has committed to strict spending targets. In the current year alone, it has achieved savings of over £23 million.

Further support will come through a proposed new levy on the water sector, currently under consultation. Introduced under the Water (Special Measures) Act, this levy will help the EA recover enforcement costs, allowing quicker action against pollution.

The EA’s efforts will also expand to the agricultural sector, with plans to carry out 6,000 farm inspections annually by 2029. These inspections aim to reduce runoff and pollution from farms into rivers and lakes. This major funding and new powers underline a strong push to improve water quality across the UK.