Steve Reed responds to water companies wanting a £156 bill rise for consumers

Steve Reed MP, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, commenting on water companies wanting a £156 bill rise for consumers, said: 

“The water industry and its regulatory framework are broken – with stinking, toxic sewage lapping up on our rivers, lakes, and seas. 

“This scandal is the Conservatives’ fault – the government cut back enforcement and monitoring against water companies releasing this filth, and are now failing to prosecute them when they are blatantly breaking the law.

“It is shocking that during a cost-of-living crisis, consumers are now being expected to pay the price, whilst water CEOs are pocketing millions in bonuses. 

“With Labour, the polluter will pay. We will force the water companies to clean up their filth through severe fines and make bosses responsible for their negligence.”

End 

Notes 

• Water companies want £156 bill rise to fund upgrades https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66979271

• https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/aug/19/bonuses-for-water-bosses-in-england-up-20-last-year-despite-sewage-failures