The Environment Secretary wants to look at a “range of options”, although sources insisted the £250 million proposal remained on the table. The Times reported Ms Coffey resisted the measure while she was deputy prime minister under Liz Truss and has refused to back the tougher penalties. A Defra source told the PA news agency: “The £250 million fine option is definitely still on the table. “The Environment Secretary is very clear that she wants to consult on that proposal, along with other options. A Defra spokesman said: “We are clear that water companies must be held to account for poor performance.

Source: The Times February 12, 2023 23:51 UTC