Environment Agency turns to top Treasury official amid fallout over sewage pollution

‘If the EA was put under the leadership of someone who knew what to do with money you’d see change’

A SENIOR Treasury official has been appointed the new chief executive of the Environment Agency, which has faced criticism for inefficiencies in its response to the sewage crisis.

Philip Duffy will join the quango in July from his role as director-general of growth and productivity at the Treasury, replacing Sir James Bevan.

Sir James, who leaves his post at the end of March, has defended the organisation’s response to widespread sewage pollution, arguing in part that a reduction in its funding had reduced the EA’S “capacity to monitor, to enforce the rules”.

Ash Smith, a campaigner against sewage pollution, said the appointment of Mr Duffy could indicate a new focus on efficiency within the EA.

“When you look at the massive waste and ineptitude within the Environment Agency, I think if it was put under the leadership of someone who knew what they were doing with money, you might see a massive change,” he said.

Environment Agency funding has been cut by around two-thirds since 2010. Staff at the quango voted to go on strike for the first time in their history in January over what union Unison said was an “inadequate” pay rise of 2 per cent “after years of wages falling further behind rising costs”.

Mr Duffy said: “I am delighted to be taking on the leadership of the Environment Agency. The Agency’s mission – to protect and enhance the environment and support sustainable development – has never been more critical.”

Thérèse Coffey, the Environment Secretary, said: “I congratulate Philip on his appointment and look forward to working with him as we continue to deliver on our shared national endeavour to improve the environment.”

John Curtin, the EA’S executive director for local operations, will take on the interim role as chief executive until Mr Duffy starts in July.