According to reports in the media, the Treasury is seeking to keep water firm fines earmarked for sewage cleanups. Reported in The Guardian, the Treasury is in discussions about keeping the money to use it for unrelated purposes at a time of huge pressure on the public finances and rising debt interest costs.

Photo credit: Ahmet Yüksek

The £11m water restoration fund was announced before the election last year, with projects bidding for the cash to improve waterways and repair damage done by sewage pollution in areas where fines have been imposed.

Charities have warned of UK government betrayal, calling the move ‘appalling’ and ‘heartbreaking’.