How many prosecutions have been made following the Welsh Government's provision of £158 million to Natural Resources Wales to target and prosecute the worst agricultural polluters?
The Welsh Government has committed £1.58m for Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to enforce the Control of Agricultural Pollution Regulations for the 2025-2026 financial year. Prosecutions are just one aspect of NRW’s enforcement approach, which is proportionate to the risks posed to people and the environment and includes a range of outcome focussed actions.
There are a number of cases currently being considered for prosecution, but none have been taken forward to date. Action has been taken under other legislation where agricultural pollution has occurred.
Since 2021, the available figures are as follow
- 349 instances of advice and guidance, with timescales to complete remedial actions;
- 12 notices served;
- 1 formal Caution; and
- 75 warning letters.