Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of which events and actions depicted in Channel 4’s Dirty Business took place; and what plans they have to investigate whether the Environment Agency and its executives provided misleading information to the public.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government recognises that Channel 4’s Dirty Business brings together real‑world events, testimony and commentary to highlight public concern about sewage pollution. Whilst scenes aren't a literal account of regulatory practice, this show has helped shine a light on issues that matter to communities and underlines why improving water quality and accountability is so important.

Regulators are independent and investigate suspected breaches of environmental law using established legal processes. Where credible evidence suggests offences or misleading information, regulators have powers to investigate and take enforcement action, including prosecution. It would be inappropriate for Ministers to comment on individual cases or ongoing investigations.

The Government has significantly strengthened oversight of both water companies and regulators. The Environment Agency is on track to carry out up to 10,000 inspections annually, supported by increased funding, additional staff and greater use of unannounced inspections. The Government has also committed to ending operator self‑monitoring and moving to a more transparent, independent monitoring regime.