Sewage dumping water firms face unlimited fines

Water companies could face unlimited fines if they continue polluting our rivers and seas with sewage, under new plans which the Government will unveil next week.

Measures include tougher sanctions on water companies – as well as a pledge to channel money raised from fines and penalties into a new fund, designed to protect waterways and help restore wetlands.

Opposition parties have dismissed the plans as “flimsy” – accusing the Government of turning Britain’s beaches into open sewers.