Environmental polluters will face unlimited penalties under new legislation introduced today. Companies holding environmental permits, such as energy and water operators, will see the current penalty limit of £250,000 scrapped. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced changes to the legislation, following a government consultation, which received “widespread public support.” The consultation offered several…

The single-use carrier bag charge will increase from 5 pence ($0.07) to 10 pence ($0.14) and extend to all businesses in England from May 21, the Government has confirmed. Under the extension, all stores, including corner shops, will have to apply the charge. Previously only businesses with 250 employees or more had to charge per…