Investigation into possible failures by Defra and the Environment Agency to comply with key laws to protect and improve water quality

Summary

The Office for Environmental Protection has launched an investigation into the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and Environment Agency in relation to suspected failures to comply with the Water Framework Directive (WFD) Regulations. This follows a report by the OEP into the implementation of the WFD Regulations, published in May 2024.