WATER firm bosses who lie about dumping sewage could be in the dock by Christmas, Environment Secretary Steve Reed vowed last night.
The new Water (Special Measures) Act, which comes into force today, means for the first time water chiefs who cover up illegal spills face up to two years in prison.
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Mr Reed blasted: “The previous government just sat back and allowed record levels of raw human sewage to choke our waterways and we were elected on a promise to change that.
“People who are covering up what’s going on in our water will now face up to two years in prison.
“That is a much tougher sanction.”
Only three water execs have ever been prosecuted for obstructing environmental investigations – and not a single one was fined or jailed.
Asked if someone could be in the dock by the end of the year, Mr Reed said: “It’s entirely feasible.”
He will also hand regulators the power to ban bonuses where necessary.
And he promised to bring an end to rising water bills and block dodgy foreign takeovers.
He also promised to bring an end to rising water bills after Thames Water’s unexpected 47 per cent hike, saying: “I’m absolutely furious about the water bill increases.
“The public are furious too.”
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