Government Boosts Funding for Water Company Inspections, Surfers Against Sewage Announces Campaign Success

In a significant development for environmental protection in England, the government has announced a substantial increase in funding for the Environment Agency (EA) to intensify inspections of water companies. This move comes as a direct response to the persistent campaigning efforts by the environmental advocacy group Surfers Against Sewage, which has been actively working towards ending sewage pollution.

According to the announcement, the EA will escalate its inspection activities to 4,000 per year by the end of March 2025. This number is set to more than double, reaching 10,000 inspections annually from April 2026 onwards. A notable aspect of this new initiative is the inclusion of a larger number of unannounced inspections. Such measures are essential to dismantle the previously unchallenged cooperation between the EA and water companies, thereby prioritising the prevention of pollution over bureaucratic camaraderie.

Surfers Against Sewage has expressed immense satisfaction with this development, viewing it as a crucial victory in their long-standing campaign to eradicate sewage pollution. The increase in EA inspections aligns with one of the key demands outlined in their “End Sewage Pollution” manifesto. The organisation emphasises that this achievement is not just their own but belongs to the entire community that has supported their cause. They credit the success to the collective efforts and the voices of those who have stood by them in their campaign.

Despite this significant milestone, Surfers Against Sewage is far from complacent. The group is highly motivated by this win and is determined to continue advocating for the adoption of all the measures proposed in their manifesto by the government and political parties across the board. Their goal remains to put an end to sewage pollution, ensuring cleaner rivers, seas, and oceans for future generations.

The announcement has been met with widespread appreciation from environmentalists and the public alike, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against environmental degradation. Surfers Against Sewage extends their gratitude to everyone who has contributed to this cause, emphasising the power of collective action in effecting meaningful change for environmental protection.