Environment Agency publishes second Chief Regulator Report
Friday 28th November 2025
The Environment Agency has set out how improved data, stronger enforcement and expanded powers are strengthening environmental protection and driving accountability across regulated sectors.
In its latest report, the Agency is modernising its approach to meet environmental and economic pressures. The strategy prioritises smarter, faster and more transparent regulation across the water, agriculture and waste sectors.
A rise in serious environmental incidents has reinforced the need for better compliance. The Agency has secured funding for 500 additional roles to regulate the water industry, tripling inspections at wastewater treatment works to more than 4,650 in 2024–25, with an ambition to reach 10,000 by March 2026.
In 2024, the Agency carried out 4,767 inspections at non-permitted farms, identifying improvements in slurry management and infrastructure and helping reduce pollution risks. Enforcement partners have also been deployed to disrupt illegal scrap metal activity and strengthen compliance in the waste sector.
The report highlights how improved enforcement, modern technology and better partnerships are delivering real benefits for communities and the environment, while acknowledging areas where the Agency must continue to improve through its EA2030 transformation programme.
A consultation launched in August proposes a modernised permitting regime, including a new registration route for low-risk activities, aimed at increasing competitiveness and accelerating adoption of future technologies.