Second Chief Regulator report outlines the regulatory performance of water, agricultural and waste sectors
Better data, stronger enforcement and greater powers are helping the Environment Agency to hold businesses to account, protect the environment and support sustainable growth, Chief Regulator Dr Jo Nettleton has said today (21 November).
In her latest report , the Chief Regulator outlines how the Environment Agency's regulatory approach is evolving to meet modern environmental and economic challenges, by prioritising smarter, faster regulation that is driving action, innovation and accountability in three key sectors - the water industry, agriculture and waste.
Dr Jo Nettleton has also set out her vision for how the nation approaches environmental regulation over the coming years. By 2030, she has called for a system that is data-driven, transparent and adaptable to emerging challenges, while being more outcome focused and supported by clearer standards.
The system will help improve compliance and reduce serious incidents - which have risen to the highest number since 2013. This will be vital in helping businesses that the Environment Agency regulates to avert future harm from their activities to the environment and nearby communities, such as those living near to active waste management sites or wild swimmers being exposed to pollution from agriculture and by water companies.
Dr Jo Nettleton, Chief Regulator at the Environment Agency, said:
Having a sharper eye on the reality we face is crucial for us to be an effective regulator.
At a time of growing environmental pressure and public expectation this report reflects the progress the Environment Agency has made on improving its regulation as well as the challenges that remain .
We are using digital intelligence, clear standards and modern regulatory practice to protect the environment while enabling sustainable growth which is central to our mission. Regulation should help responsible businesses thrive while ensuring polluters are held to account.
Environment Agency Chief Executive Philip Duffy said:
Our staff are delivering stronger environmental outcomes while transforming how we regulate. We are evolving to meet modern environmental and economic challenges by focusing on smarter, more effective regulation.
I welcome the Chief Regulator's report which highlights both progress and challenges across sectors and the tangible benefits being delivered for communities, businesses and the environment.
We will continue to work closely with Jo to deliver on our joined priorities including building a more agile and efficient regulator that supports sustainable growth and protects the environment.
Environment Agency action
In her first report , the Chief Regulator wrote about the need to support sustainable growth and innovation, while calling for the Environment Agency to have 'more teeth' against businesses falling short of the required environmental standards.
Today's report outlines a major uplift in inspections and enforcement capacity is exposing the true scale of environmental harm and driving faster action to put it right.
To tackle pollution incidents by the water sector, the Environment Agency secured funding to create 500 roles focused on water industry regulation and more than tripled the number of inspections at wastewater treatment works to over 4,650 over 2024 to 2025.
With our expanded workforce, updated technology and enhanced enforcement service, the Agency is increasing its capability and aims to deliver 10,000 inspections by March 2026.
Stopping agricultural pollution is also vital. Last year, the Environment Agency carried out 4,767 targeted inspections at non-permitted farms, up from 4,675 in 2023. This showed 6,592 improvement actions had been completed by farmers and outlines how having good slurry management and infrastructure in place can help to reduce the risk of them causing pollution.
Elsewhere, the EA worked with its enforcement partners to target illegal scrap metal activities, helping to disrupt environmental crime, strengthen compliance and improve local outcomes.
These examples show how modern enforcement, stronger partnerships and better data are delivering real results for people, nature and communities.
The Chief Regulator also continues to shine a light on areas where the organisation needs to improve. This includes delivering internal change through EA2030 as well as improving the way the EA identifies and manages risks to the delivery of its regulatory responsibilities.
Delivering economic growth
Effective regulation also supports economic growth. The report sets out how proportionate, evidence-based regulation underpins sustainable development and investment confidence.
By providing clear standards, early engagement and evidence-based advice, the Environment Agency is helping businesses to reinvest, reduce waste and innovate in cleaner technologies. This approach boosts regional productivity, supports green industries and unlocks opportunities for Net Zero and sustainable growth, showing that good regulation is good for the economy as well as the environment.
This includes, in August, when a consultation was launched on plans to deliver a new, modernised environmental permitting regime. These proposals, which could introduce a new registration approach for low-risk installations, are aimed at helping industries in England to embrace future technologies more quickly, increase competitiveness and create economic growth.
Digital tools, smarter data and new specialist roles are also transforming the Agency's capability, making compliance easier for responsible operators and tougher for polluters.
Public confidence in environmental protection remains under pressure, and today's report shows how the Environment Agency is modernising to meet those expectations. It also provides a clear plan for continued improvement in environmental outcomes and sustainable growth, which is central to the organisation's mission and ensures regulation works for people, nature, and the economy.
