UNISON is calling on the government to introduce regulation that
will help it deliver on its promise to “build back greener”
following the coronavirus pandemic.
Responding to last week’s government announcement on water policy
reforms to deliver an ambitious environmental agenda, the union
said that Westminster must ensure suitably funded, resourced and
independent regulation is in place to deliver on those
challenges.
The government announcement followed a recent judgement and
record fine of Southern Water for regularly and deliberately
pouring untreated sewage into protected waters on the south coast
of England.
UNISON national secretary for business and environment Donna
Rowe-Merriman said: “Any reforms must tackle the fundamental
issue of non-compliance that has been happening for years. The
most recent judgement, with a fine of £91 million, is the tip of
the iceberg.
“Other water companies have been prosecuted or have been
implementing remedial works to prevent criminal prosecution.
“The current laws are being flouted. Any reforms must protect the
environment and livelihoods of those who rely on it for work or
leisure.
“The law is not ‘red tape’ that senior executives can choose to
follow. And the health and safety of the public is not something
that can be ignored.”
UNISON’s water, environment and transport (WET) NEC member John
Jones added: “It is criminal that the senior management
responsible for criminal actions are also able to receive bonuses
at the same time as they were ruining the environment.”
