An Office for Environmental Protection investigation has revealed potential legal breaches, accusing regulators of permitting more frequent raw sewage discharges than regulations allow

The OEP has been allowed to intervene in a Supreme Court appeal, emphasising the significance of clarity in environmental law

It aims to determine whether Ofwat, the Environment Agency and the Environment Secretary have failed to comply with their respective duties in relation to the regulation

An independent watchdog is calling on the government to step up environmental protection

They will advise government and hold public authorities to account for their implementation of environmental law

The new Office will be set up from July in non-statutory form to provide independent oversight of the government’s environmental progress and to accelerate the foundation of the full body

She will start her role, which is limited until December, in February, alongside Chair-designate Dame Glenys Stacey

The Office will provide scrutiny and advice on the implementation of environmental law as well as monitor and report progress against Environmental Improvement Plans and targets

The Office for Environmental Protection will monitor the government’s progress towards improving the natural environment and will investigate complaints regarding failures of public bodies to comply with environment law

The Environmental Audit Committee has requested that a number of areas of the bill be reconsidered