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CONSULT.Outcome publishedConsultation · gov.uk

Strengthening environmental civil sanctions

Seeking views on increasing the cap on variable monetary penalties (VMPs) for environmental offences in England and introducing VMPs to the Environmental Permitting Regulations.

Last fetched 03 May 2026 · gov.uk
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The government wants to strengthen the Environment Agency’s ability to issue monetary penalties for a wider range of environmental offences in England.

We want to know what you think about these changes, including:

  • increasing the cap on variable monetary penalties from £250,000 to £25 million, £250 million or unlimited (no cap)
  • introducing variable monetary penalties into the Environmental Permitting Regulations
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