Between April 2022 and October 2023, England and Wale's privatised water companies were fined a total of £11m for illegally polluting rivers with their sewage discharges. The water companies generally did this to cut down costs, leaving more money for shareholder dividends and company bonuses. There was some concern that £11m might be snaffled by the UK Treasury. It's been announced, however, that the money will go to the Water Restoration Fund. River Trusts will be able to apply for finances from it to clean up rivers in their areas (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/09/the-sewage-scandal-ends-now-uk-water-company-fines-to-be-used-to-clean-up-rivers). Although a positive development, there are some remaining concerns. Firstly, £11m is a tiny proportion of the billions frittered away by the water companies. Secondly, the water companies still expect to be bailed out (pun intended), by increasing the prices of their 'customers'. Finally, seems likely the money will go to the most professional River Trusts (perhaps those with financial support from rich anglers?). Money ought to go specifically to River Trusts in areas damaged by the fined water companies?
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