Clean Water

Our rivers, lakes and seas are part of our beautiful British landscape and have been enjoyed by generations. Yet our pride in the British countryside has often turned to dismay because in too many parts of our country, the local river, lake, or beach has been made filthy by pollution.

We know that our water infrastructure is under increasing strain – it is outdated, inadequate and crumbling. This is only made worse by our changing climate, and it is not right that water supplies to homes and businesses are disrupted too frequently in some parts of the country.

That is why I am proud that the Government is delivering on its manifesto commitment to put water companies under special measures to clean up our water. I welcome the Water (Special Measures) Bill, which will help bring in the biggest ever investment in our water sector.

It is vital that we strengthen the powers of the regulators and hold water companies to account. This Bill gives the water regulator, Ofwat, the legal powers to ban bonuses if water company executives fail to meet high standards. It introduces stricter penalties, increases cost-recovery powers for the regulator and includes provisions to allow fines to be imposed for wrong-doing.

One example of this is that money earmarked for investment to upgrade water infrastructure will be ringfenced and used for what it is intended for, not for executive’s bonuses.

I am pleased that under this legislation, Ofwat must also consider how it can contribute to our climate change targets. I am also glad that the Government, alongside the Welsh Government, has asked Sir Jon Cunliffe to lead an independent commission on the future of the water industry.

We need to make sure we have a robust framework that can attract investment and guarantee clean water, for now and for in the future. I understand that this should be published next year and will inform future legislation.

I welcome this Bill – it is a chance to right the wrongs that have so angered people across the country. Water pollution is not inevitable, and it is not acceptable.