Defra facing £500m real-terms cut after autumn statement

Critics says the department has failed so far to crack down on sewage spills into England’s waterways, and further cuts are likely to make it even more inefficient. Photograph: Rob Read/Alamy

The government’s environment department is facing a £500m real-terms cut after last week’s autumn statement, as critics say this will leave it unable to properly tackle issues including sewage spillages.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) oversees all things to do with the environment and agriculture, from farming inspections and nature restoration to cracking down on environmental vandalism including fly-tipping and sewage spills.