Ministers will introduce a crackdown on water companies through the introduction of a new Water Bill, in a major victory for i’s Save Britain’s Rivers campaign.

The Water (Special Measures) Bill will bring in tougher fines and sanctions for water companies responsible for sewage spills, the King confirmed today, as he set out the Government’s legislative plans for the next year.

It will include “severe and automatic” fines for polluting water companies and powers to pursue personal criminal liability charges against executives.