Thank you to everyone who contacted me about sewage pollution and Thames Water’s proposed deal with Ofwat.
This deal grants Thames Water a fifteen‑year exemption from penalties for polluting waterways, easing the water company’s crippling debt. Many constituents highlight that saying yes to the deal would set a dangerous precedent for every single water company in England.
I share constituents’ concerns. I recently wrote to Thames Water and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) calling for the proposed deal to be rejected and a new one to be put forward that does not pollute our waterways. Pollution incidents from the activities of the water industry are unacceptable. The water industry must do more.
Thames Water responded to let me know they acknowledge my constituents’ concerns and will investigate alternative options. I will share our further correspondence, plus the letter from DEFRA once it is received.
I welcome the Government’s White Paper, titled A New Vision for Water, which sets out reforms for the water industry, following a detailed independent review led by Sir Jon Cunliffe. The Government has pledged more reforms, including tighter discharge limits, enhanced monitoring and the creation of a new single water regulator with stronger, more proactive tools to enforce the rules and ensure water companies are fully held to account for sewage pollution.
It may interest you to know that the Government is also introducing measures to strengthen the Environment Agency’s ability to act swiftly and proportionately on minor to moderate offences, including relating to sewage. It is planning new variable monetary penalties and automatic penalties to enable quicker, more targeted enforcement. This will work alongside existing powers such as prosecution and ensure water companies face clear and immediate consequences.
More broadly, I am pleased to support the Government’s New Vision for Water. This is a radical, once-in-a-generation transformation of the water industry regulatory framework which puts the environment and consumers first. I look forward to the Joint Transition Plan that the Government will set out later this year with the Welsh Government, which will provide a stable platform for reform.
I know this White Paper and the upcoming Water Bill are a central part of this Government’s programme and a priority for DEFRA. I assure you I will follow developments on this closely as we walk the path to a future where water companies act responsibly, customers get the service they deserve, and we can all enjoy clean rivers, lakes and seas.
Thank you once again to everyone who raised this important issue with me.