Anglian receives record £1.42m fine for drinking water failures
The watchdog said these coatings broke down into flakes and powder, which entered the water supply.
Anglian Water, which provides services to seven million people in the east of England, reported the failures to the DWI before pleading guilty at Northampton Crown Court.
Marcus Rink, DWI's chief inspector, said: 'Public health and drinking water quality must be the highest priority, and there can be no compromise.
'We've taken firm action in the public interest to ensure the company has removed all non-compliant material so that customers can remain confident in their water supplies.'
The watchdog's investigation also uncovered wider issues around Anglian's management of its materials and contractors.
This included a lack of staff training, poor oversight of the supply chain, and in some cases, water tanks continued to be used even after the company knew they contained unapproved products.
DWI said Anglian Water has rectified all of the issues across its network.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed said: 'Contamination of drinking water on any scale is scandalous and a complete disgrace.
'The record £1.4 million fine handed down sends a clear signal that this criminal behaviour is unacceptable.'
The Government is planning to roll out widespread reforms to the water sector in response to public anger over the state of the nation's rivers, lakes and seas.
'As part of our Plan for Change, our landmark Water Act means polluting water bosses face two-year prison sentences and bans unfair multi-million-pound bonuses,' Mr Reed said.
Anglian Water pleaded guilty to five offences under the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016, which makes mandates that only tested, approved and safe materials come into contact with drinking water.
An Anglian Water spokesperson said: 'We apologise for and regret breaching Regulation 31 and accept the judgement for the five sites in 2021.
'The procedures we had in place fell short and as a result, we have since invested significantly to improve these and have shared our learnings across the water industry.
'Protecting the water supply of our customers could not be more fundamental to our business, this is reflected in the fact we have not had a drinking water prosecution in over 20 years.
'Despite the breach, there was no evidence of any contamination of the water supply and the judge agreed based on independent expert reports that the risk to customers was very low.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Minimum wage update as government moves to scrap 'discriminatory' age bands
Next year's minimum wage and living wage could see a major change as the 'discriminatory' age bands are urged to be removed Anyone receiving minimum wage could witness a major transformation next year as the government has moved towards establishing a single wage rate for adults. In the years ahead this shift will eliminate "discriminatory" age bands that determine how much people earn based on their age. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner argued the progression towards this new landmark will inject more money into working people's pockets, consequently boosting their living standards throughout the UK. She said: "We promised to make low pay a thing of the past, and deliver a wage people can live on, and that is exactly what this government is determined to deliver. "We have already taken bold action to Make Work Pay with more than 3 million workers seeing a huge boost in their pay following our increase to National Minimum and Living Wage. This remit is the next milestone in our plan to get more money in working people's pockets, raise living standards in every part of the UK, and get our economy growing." Present minimum wage rates per hour according to age: 21 and over, also known as the national living wage: £12.21 18-20 year olds: £10 16-17 year olds: £7.55 Additional minimum rates also apply for apprentices and individuals who receive accommodation through their employment and pay rent directly from their wages. Nevertheless, this fresh update moves one step nearer to equalising the wage disparities between these three categories. Exactly what the single adult rate might resemble remains currently uncertain. The Low Pay Commission will be consulting on this modification which will probably see further details emerging in October when the commission delivers its annual recommendations to the government. The Low Pay Commission, which counsels the government on alterations to the national minimum wage and national living wage annually, will consult with employers, trade unionists and workers on bridging the pay divide between 18-20 year olds and the national living wage. Chancellor Rachel Reeves declared: "To ensure the right balance is struck between the needs of workers, business affordability, and the wider economy, the LPC is being asked to consult on several issues before recommending the new rates. "Fair pay which supports working families is integral to our Plan for Change, because when working people are properly rewarded with more money in their pockets, businesses thrive and our entire economy benefits." Last year, the commission's recommendations delivered a record minimum wage rise for apprentices and workers under 18. It also provided a £1,400 annual boost for full-time workers on the national living wage. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds declared: "Low pay drags down living standards for our workers and in turn hurts our high streets and local businesses. "This Government's Plan for Change will put money back in people's pockets, with this new remit marking the next step in considering how we ensure a fair deal for our lowest paid workers while maintaining a competitive economy that boosts businesses and their employees alike."
Rhyl Journal
2 hours ago
- Rhyl Journal
HMRC issues urgent Child Benefit reminder by August 31
Last year, 870,000 parents extended their Child Benefit payments, getting a £1,354 a year boost. Parents of 16 to 19 year olds should have received a letter from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to extend their Child Benefit claim if their child is staying in education or training, but if they do not apply for them to carry on, they will automatically stop on August 31 on or after their child's 16th birthday. Is your 16-19 year old planning to stay in education or training in September? Extend your Child Benefit claim now. Find out how 👇 Child Benefit is currently worth £26.05 per week - or £1,354.60 a year - for the eldest or only child and £17.25 per week - or £897 a year - for each additional child. More than 870,000 parents extended their Child Benefit claim for their teen last year with the majority confirming online or via the HMRC app in minutes. Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Director General for Customer Services, says: "Child Benefit is an important boost to families. As soon as you know what your teenager is planning to do, extend your claim in minutes to guarantee your payments continue in September. Simply go to or the HMRC app to confirm today." Child Benefit can continue to be paid for young people who are studying full time in non-advanced education as well as unpaid approved training courses. Visit the HMRC Child Benefit website to check full eligibility. If either the claimant or their partner has an individual income of between £60,000 and £80,000, the higher earner will be subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge. For families who fall into this category, the online Child Benefit tax calculator provides an estimate of how much benefit they will receive, and what the charge may be. From this summer, as part of the government's Plan for Change, families will have the option to use a new digital service to pay the charge directly through their PAYE tax code instead of filing a Self Assessment tax return. The new service will cut red tape for eligible employed parents who are liable to the High Income Child Benefit Charge but those who choose to pay the charge through their Self Assessment can continue to do so. Families who have previously opted out of Child Benefit payments can opt back in and restart their payments quickly and easily online or via the HMRC app. If you earn under 80k and haven't claimed Child Benefit yet, it could be financially worth your while. 💷 You or your partner can now earn up to £60k before you start paying the High Income Child Benefit Charge. Claim online or in the HMRC app. ⬇️ Teenagers turning 16 can take control of their HMRC Child Trust Fund savings account, which could be worth thousands of pounds, and can withdraw the money once they turn 18. Child Trust Funds were set up for every child born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011. If teenagers or their parents and guardians know who their Child Trust Fund provider is, they can contact them directly. If they don't know where their account is, they can use the free online tool on to find out who their Child Trust Fund provider is. Recommended reading: 1.5 million letters have been sent to parents of 16 to 19 year olds reminding them to extend their Child Benefit claim for their teenager if they are staying in full time education or approved training. Eligible customers no longer need to wait for the letter to extend their claim. The service will be open online or in the HMRC app for all eligible customers. Customers can update their Child Benefit claim via the HMRC app and via Claimants who are unable to use online services can call or write to us using the contact details in their renewal letter. Parents cannot claim Child Benefit if their child is taking a course that is part of a job contract. Parents can view and manage their claim quickly and easily online or on the HMRC app. This includes viewing payment information and proof of their claim, adding additional children and updating their details.
North Wales Live
3 hours ago
- North Wales Live
'Hundreds' of jobs unlocked after North Wales power station development signs up for carbon capture
'Hundreds' of jobs will be unlocked after a power station development signed up for a multi-billion pound carbon capture scheme. Having received the green light from the Prime Minister to start construction of the Liverpool Bay Transportation and Storage network in April, the HyNet carbon capture cluster today announced two new projects had signed up. Under HyNet new pipelines and manufacturing facilities will be constructed across Cheshire and Flintshire, and existing power plants will be repurposed to capture carbon emissions and store them under the seabed, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and tackling the climate crisis. Carbon capture and storage forms part of the government's modern Industrial Strategy and will help to cleanly power heavy industry in the years to come. The two projects being prioritised to join the network are: Connah's Quay Low Carbon Power project in North Wales – a new power station with carbon capture and storage that at peak output is expected to produce enough clean energy to power the equivalent of 900,000 homes, whilst capturing CO2 emissions. Low-carbon power provides essential backup for a clean power system when wind and solar generation is low, delivering energy security for families and businesses. Ince Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (InBECCS) in Cheshire – the project will use waste wood to generate low-carbon energy and capture CO2 emissions. It will be the first carbon capture enabled greenhouse gas removals project in the UK, creating a new major infrastructure sector in the North West with high-quality jobs. The two projects are tipped to create 800 jobs in the construction and operation phases with the government saying "hundreds" of those will be in North Wales. Mike Lockett, UK Country Chair for Uniper, who are developing the North Wales scheme, said: 'We're delighted that that the UK Government has confirmed that we're entering into negotiations to develop our Connah's Quay Low Carbon Power project in North Wales. 'Government's support for the development of carbon capture and storage infrastructure, creating the framework needed for pioneering projects like our Connah's Quay Low Carbon Power, is vital for moving towards clean power 2030 and at the same time maintaining a secure electricity supply.' Industry Minister Sarah Jones said: 'We are securing the jobs of the future, the power for our homes and the protection of our planet by becoming world leaders on carbon capture and storage. 'These new projects will bring industrial renewal, unlock growth and secure an additional 800 good, skilled jobs for local people across North Wales and the North West – taking the total supported by HyNet to 2,800 – all part of our Plan for Change.' Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: 'This is another significant moment for the growing clean energy industry in Wales. We are making the UK a clean energy superpower and delivering the well-paid, highly-skilled jobs of the future in the process. 'It's fantastic to see North Wales at the forefront of the carbon capture industry and the hundreds of new jobs being created by the HyNet project will help drive regional growth as well as accelerating our drive towards lower bills and energy security.' The projects join an existing three schemes lined up for HyNet. These are: Protos Energy Recovery Facility, Encyclis, Ellesmere Port (Cheshire) Hanson Padeswood Cement Works Carbon Capture Project, Heidelberg Materials, Padeswood (North Wales) Hydrogen Production Plant 1 (HPP1), EET Hydrogen, Stanlow (Cheshire) Five projects are also being lined up as standby projects with potential to connect to the network should space become available. These are:
