End "Retrospective Regularisation" of sewerage infrastructure

30
signatures
openDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural Affairsby Jess HodgkissOpened 23 July 2026

Background

It is currently possible for water companies to operate sewerage infrastructure by applying retrospectively for the relevant environmental permits or planning permission. We believe this amounts to the avoidance of scrutiny, and that the Environment Agency is not fit for purpose.

Additional details

We call on the Government to: End the practice of retrospective regularisation for sewerage infrastructure operating without valid permits. Mandate automatic prosecution by the Environment Agency for all unpermitted sewerage assets to ensure corporate accountability. Establish a transparent national registry of all water assets. The EA must obtain and document explicit informed consent from landowners before granting any permit for sewerage infrastructure operating on the landowner’s property.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.

Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 771954.