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River Wandle: Pollution

Asked by Mr Paul KohlerLiberal DemocratDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 20 March 2025UIN 903300

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to help protect the River Wandle from pollution.

Answered by Emma Hardy

The Wandle pollution incident on 18 February was unacceptable. I understand the Environment Agency is investigating.

The Government is going further to clean up our waterways, delivering the Water (Special Measures) Act, giving Ofwat powers to ban bonus payments for water bosses. It also increases the Environment Agency’s ability to bring criminal charges against water executives. We launched the largest review of the sector since privatisation. It aims to build consensus for a resilient and innovative water sector and robust wider regulatory framework.

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