Water firms in England to face tougher fines under ‘make polluters pay’ plan

Environment secretary expected to set out scheme that will channel money to Defra fund aimed at improving waterways

Water companies in England could face tougher fines and penalties under new government plans to tackle pollution.

The environment secretary, Thérèse Coffey, is expected to set out plans next week that ministers believe will “make polluters pay”, with fines levied on water companies put into a “water restoration fund”.