STORY
Southern Water has been fined £7.1 million following a prosecution over sewage pollution. The Environment Agency said the case reflected serious failures and forms part of wider enforcement action against water companies over pollution incidents.
The penalty comes as water regulation remains a major political issue for the Government. Ministers have promised tougher action against companies that fail to protect rivers, coastlines and communities from sewage discharges and other environmental damage.
Campaigners have argued that fines must be matched by stronger regulation, investment in infrastructure and accountability for company executives. Water companies say they are investing in improvements, but public anger over pollution has continued to grow.