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Question
The shadow Secretary of State questions the government's claim to have reduced sewage spills by 50% by 2030, noting that Conservative plans were already set to cut spills more than this. He also points out that only 7% of storm overflows were monitored under Labour in 2010 and asks about the true origins of increased monitoring. Furthermore, he questions how £93 billion of investment was secured before Labour took office, noting it was submitted by water companies nine months prior.
Minister reply
The Minister responds that it is disappointing that the shadow Secretary of State did not consider a matter of this urgency to be important enough for her to show up in the Chamber and reflects on the importance their party ascribed to this issue during its 14 years in power.
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Question
My constituents will be pleased with the Government's announcement today, following years of increased sewage dumping on beaches and in rivers. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that he will make it his priority to ensure a reduction in sewage dumped in waterways?
Minister reply
During my time as Secretary of State, I commit to prioritising the reduction of sewage pollution from water companies by 50% by 2030 as part of our efforts towards cleaning up UK waterways.
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Question
Why is there no plan to change the structure of the industry itself? What are your plans for engaging volunteers, citizen scientists, and local communities in the new regulatory framework?
Minister reply
We will consult on proposals regarding ownership during the autumn, with regional structures allowing engagement from citizens, local authorities, businesses, and members of farming communities. Volunteers and citizen scientists will be able to participate through these proposed frameworks.
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Question
Will my right hon. Friend confirm that his drive to fix the water system will also support infrastructure projects such as the Fens reservoir in the east of England?
Minister reply
We intend to build nine new reservoirs, and I am taking control of consents for these projects to speed up the planning process and ensure they can be approved faster.
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Question
Will the Secretary of State give an undertaking that anglers throughout the UK will be fully engaged by the new regulator?
Minister reply
Anglers are rightly concerned about pollution and abstractions from rivers, particularly chalk streams. The new regulator will engage with them through proposed mechanisms for volunteers and campaigners to participate in the system.
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Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that a £690,000 salary increase for Southern Water boss Lawrence Gosden is outrageous after overseeing major water outages and sewage dumping?
Minister reply
I consider this pay rise to be outrageous. It relates to the last year of the Conservative Government's regime, but we have now changed the law so that such payments cannot be made in future.
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Question
Will Canterbury and Whitstable residents have to put up with droughts and leaks for another eight years until the Broad Oak reservoir opens?
Minister reply
We are speeding up the consenting and building of new reservoirs to catch rain during wet periods, reducing leaks from water pipes and conserving water.
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Question
In my constituency last year there were 2,036 sewage spills lasting for a total of 28,360 hours. However, contrary to the Secretary of State's earlier assertion, we do not know the volume of that dumping because it is not monitored. What steps are the Government taking to impose targets to reduce both the duration and the volume of individual spills?
Minister reply
We are increasing monitoring to 100% of all outlets. I note that representatives from the Conservative party will often try to take the credit for increasing monitoring. That is a good thing to have done, but what is not so good is to use it just to wave hello to the sewage as it floats on by and do nothing about reducing it.
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Question
The report feels like a missed opportunity for the Government to show the public whose side they are on. It entrenches a privatised model that has already failed economically, environmentally and democratically. With 20% to 50% of bills going on servicing debt, why is public ownership not good enough for water?
Minister reply
We have to take a rational, not ideological, approach to tackling this problem. Nationalising the water companies would cost £100 billion. Those are not figures from the water companies; they are provided by officials in my Department under the influence of nobody externally. To pay that money—£100 billion—we would have to take it away from public services, such as the national health service and education, to hand it to the owners of the companies that have been polluting our waterways. That makes no sense.
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Question
I warmly welcome the Secretary of State's announcement that he is going to merge all four water regulators into one. However, I offer a slight note of caution: it is no good moving the deckchairs around the deck unless the situation has been improved. When will he produce the White Paper and what teeth will he give this single new super-regulator?
Minister reply
I welcome the hon. Member’s support in principle for Sir Jon Cunliffe’s proposal to merge the four regulators’ water functions into one single super-regulator. I will publish the White Paper containing the Government's full response during the autumn. The document includes 88 separate recommendations, many of which will significantly strengthen regulation so that the new regulator can enforce much more harshly against abuses.
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Question
Yesterday I had a lovely swim in the North sea off Bamburgh castle, and I would like to thank the Safer Seas and Rivers Service for telling me which beaches to avoid due to sewage spills by Northumbrian Water. Not all my constituents swim, but they all tell me that the current situation is disgraceful. Could the Secretary of State explain to them whether it is their fault for not accepting higher bills; water companies’ fault for extracting so much more value than they put into them; or because water is a natural monopoly and incredibly difficult to regulate effectively in the private sector?
Minister reply
The changes that we are making will bring about effective regulation and appropriate levels of investment, protecting customers from shocking bill hikes. The reforms address 14 years of failure by the Conservative Government.
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Question
Environment Agency data showed a 60% increase in serious pollution incidents last year, so the target of halving spills over five years would still mean nearly a quarter of a million sewage spills annually by 2030. Will the Government look at volume rather than hours of spills?
Minister reply
The target for reduction uses as its baseline the 2024 figure, recognising the extent to which sewage pollution increased between '21 and '24. We have announced the most ambitious target for sewage pollution reduction ever and will continue our efforts.
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Question
Residents in my community have suffered from sewage pollution in the Thames, the Kennet, and interruptions to supply. How will the new ombudsman help me and my residents to tackle these very serious problems?
Minister reply
The new ombudsman will provide independent and free support to customers experiencing failures; compensation has increased significantly under our measures.
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Question
My constituents have been failed over and over again by the Environment Agency in the maintenance of waterways. Given my enthusiasm for breaking apart quangos, will he consider bringing powers away from the EA so that we can manage our rivers properly?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman's point is important, but I gently remind him that it was his Government who cut resources to the Environment Agency by 50%, which may well have contributed to failings.
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Question
My constituents will be relieved as, after 14 years of Tory failure and inaction, water pollution from toxic sewage discharge is a persistent problem. Will he say more about when legislation will be brought forward?
Minister reply
We will publish the White Paper and launch the consultation this autumn, followed by legislation in the first half of this Parliament.
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Question
My constituents have faced an increase in their water bills without any improvement in river quality or infrastructure. What assurances can be provided that these increases will not end up in the pockets of water company bosses?
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Question
Over 60 year 4 pupils from Walter Evans primary school in Derby wrote to me and the Secretary of State worried about sewage dumping and plastic pollution in our rivers. Does he agree that had the Conservatives taken action when they came to power 14 years ago, my nine-year-old constituents would have known cleaner rivers all their lives?
Minister reply
We are committed to halving pollution in rivers by 2030, addressing long-standing issues within a year of taking office. Previous Governments had ample time but failed to act.
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Question
The Green party’s proposals would mean paying £100 billion of taxpayers’ money to the owners of water companies, which could be taken away from NHS. Does the Secretary of State accept that this model is a failure and that figures like £100 billion are inflated by those who do not think the industry should pay for its greed?
Minister reply
The cost of nationalisation would take years to implement and worsen pollution during this time. Scotland's nationalised system has shown worse results compared to privatised models.
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Question
Action is needed for long-standing systemic problems in my constituency, where residents face repeated burst pipes and compensation issues. Severn Trent has given a timetable for action on infrastructure. Does the Secretary of State agree that this Labour Government will protect consumers and put people before profit?
Minister reply
We are introducing an ombudsman to support customers and ensure better value during outages, contrasting with previous Government's inaction.
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Question
Between 2018-2022, untreated sewage was released over 58,000 times from Scottish sewer overflows. Will the Secretary of State assure me that they will not follow Scotland’s failed model?
Minister reply
The nationalised model in Scotland has shown failures in managing pollution and infrastructure.
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Question
What is lacking over the past 35 years of privatisation is a proper consumer representative to protect customers. Will he give a guarantee that this will be at front and centre of the new regulator?
Minister reply
Sir Jon Cunliffe’s final report recommends setting up regional entities where customers can have direct representation in decisions about water infrastructure investment.
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Question
The Government implemented the core Liberal Democrat manifesto pledge: the abolition of Ofwat. Will he now implement a second pledge to put campaigners on the board of Severn Trent?
Minister reply
When in government, the Liberal Democrats commissioned a report that found no need for changing the model of regulation.
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Question
Many people find it incredible that Cunliffe was not even allowed to look at public ownership. Can we have a report on water companies’ role in tax avoidance, so that further action could be taken against them?
Minister reply
We should crack down on tax avoidance, and the figure of £100 billion for nationalising water companies is based on internal calculations within my Department.
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Question
How many of nine planned reservoirs are under construction or in planning process? Also, what will the real term uplift for water bill payers cover?
Minister reply
I would be happy to write with details on reservoir projects. The cost will also include speeding up the planning process and treating reservoirs as nationally significant infrastructure.
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Question
The village of Upper Tean frequently suffers flooding and sewage outflows due to antiquated mains water infrastructure. Recommendation 3 in the report states a comprehensive systems planning framework should be introduced, considering spatial development priorities like housing. Does he agree that privatised companies must ensure they can meet demand without profiteering?
Minister reply
We are working on ensuring adequate infrastructure to mitigate sewage dumping and prioritise system demand over profiteering.
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Question
Today’s announcement is a step forward in tackling the sewage crisis, but of course the details will be in the delivery. That is important, especially as the River Ver, a precious chalk stream in my constituency, has received nearly 5,000 hours of sewage in the last year—some of that was 3,000 hours non-stop. We do not know the volume, but we know it is terrible. Will the Secretary of State meet me to see how the proposals can help to prioritise the desperately needed upgrade of the Markyate sewage works?
Minister reply
I know the River Ver very well because I used to walk over a bridge across it every day on my way to school while I was growing up. I would be very happy to make sure that the hon. Member has an appropriate meeting with a Minister to discuss her concerns.
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Question
I welcome today’s report and also give credit to campaign groups like the Ilkley Clean River Group and the people’s water commission. It is right that the Secretary of State has said that he will abolish Ofwat and strengthen oversight and regulation, but Yorkshire Water has a labyrinth of holding companies that have built up debt, taken out dividends and interest payments, put up customer bills and failed to invest in upgrades. Does the Secretary of State agree that it is time for radical action, not only to merge the regulators but to restructure failing companies like Yorkshire Water?
Minister reply
I cannot take credit for the picture—that was Sir Jon—but I can join my hon. Friend in crediting the campaign groups who have done such a fantastic job at keeping this issue at the top of the political agenda. Sir Jon makes proposals in his report about those labyrinthine structures that she is talking about. We need clarity and transparency, and that is what we will now work towards.
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Question
Between 2001 and 2023, there were over 4,600 incidents of sewage overflows in Dewsbury and Batley, amounting to over 28,000 hours. Bills for my constituents and Yorkshire Water customers have gone up by 40% in the last five years and by nearly 30% in the last 12 months. Some £84 billion has been taken in dividends by all the water companies in the UK, with £74 billion of that saddled on to the companies themselves. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to reduce the bills of my constituents and residents of the whole United Kingdom, and what steps will he take to claw back that £84 billion so it can be invested to fix the pipes?
Minister reply
I am grateful to the hon. Member for making that important point. His constituents, just like people across the country, are experiencing unacceptable bill hikes and pollution in our waterways. We will move at the greatest possible speed to implement these changes.
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Question
I am genuinely all ears for any practical steps that can be taken to build on the Environment Act 2021 to clean up our waterways, but may I pick up the Secretary of State’s comments on the role, as he put it, of citizen scientists and local communities? In my constituency, volunteers have decades of real local knowledge on our waterways. That powerhouse of local knowledge will be replicated up and down the country. Rather than just involving them as consultees, will the Secretary of State reflect on how they can get properly locked into local solutions to clean up our waterways?
Minister reply
I support what the hon. Gentleman says about the Environment Act, which is a worthwhile piece of legislation passed by the previous Government. I also support what he says about ensuring that people have more involvement at community level. I will certainly take that on board as we work through the consultation.
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Question
From Saturday night to Monday morning, a mains burst on Richmond Hill in my constituency went unattended, resulting in residents being left without gas supply as water leaked into the gas pipeline. Burst-pipe sewage-dumping following storm overflows has now become customary. Last year alone, 119 hours’ worth of sewage was discharged into rivers and waterways in my constituency. Thames Water has been allowed to get away with such negligent and environmentally hazardous practices for far too long while Ofwat has stood by and watched. Now that the Government have finally realised that Ofwat must be replaced, will the Minister set out a timeline for the implementation of the review’s recommendation of a new regulator?
Minister reply
I agree with much of what the hon. Lady says. Her constituents are experiencing unacceptable practices in their water supply and pollution levels in local rivers and waterways. We will publish the White Paper in the autumn, with a consultation alongside it, and we intend to move to legislation during the first half of this Parliament.
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Question
Residents of Dartford welcome the Government’s commitment to halve sewage pollution within five years. Does the Secretary of State agree that, unlike previous governments and current opposition parties, Labour has a clear plan to address this issue?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is correct in pointing out the poor performance under the Conservative government for 14 years, resulting in rising bills and worsening sewage problems. This statement marks our commitment to turning the tide on Tory sewage.
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Question
Will the Secretary of State speak with Northern Ireland’s relevant Minister about implementing similar reforms for their water infrastructure issues?
Minister reply
I am more than happy to convey the hon. Gentleman's message to his counterpart in Northern Ireland during our next conversation.
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Question
Can the Secretary of State provide more details on how these reforms will protect water users and consumers from rising bills?
Minister reply
The £104 billion investment has already started in April, ensuring people see changes that restore their confidence in politics after 14 years of Conservative mismanagement.
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Question
Will the Secretary of State publish data quantifying water loss due to leaks, so that the public can understand where money is being wasted?
Minister reply
Transparency is important. I believe such data is available and am happy to direct her to it through a written response.
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Question
What reassurances can the Secretary of State give about a national social tariff for those on low incomes, following recent price increases by Yorkshire Water?
Minister reply
Social tariffs already exist in every region. We will consult on the proposal for a national social tariff as suggested by the Independent Water Commission.
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Question
Considering rising water bills and executive pay, does this signal an end to a failing regulator that presides over these issues?
Minister reply
Yes, the reforms include the scrapping of Ofwat, addressing inefficiencies in the current regulatory regime.
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Question
Why is the Secretary of State not seeking to halve both volume and quantity of sewage spills rather than just their number?
Minister reply
Our target for reducing sewage discharge by half is unprecedented, representing a significant step towards restoring our water bodies' health.
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Question
How will the Government address concerns that these reforms do not go far enough and leave the industry in hands of those who have caused problems?
Minister reply
The proposals are detailed and based on Sir Jon's 450-page report with 88 recommendations. We aim to reset the water sector from top to bottom.
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Question
Can the Secretary of State reassure constituents that these reforms will help restore the River Derwent's health?
Minister reply
These measures represent a complete reset to address similar issues affecting rivers, lakes, and seas across the country.
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Question
How will reforms help local groups hold water companies accountable for monitoring designated swim status applications?
Minister reply
By making all outlet data visible to campaigners and residents, we enhance transparency and enable better oversight of compliance.
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Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that chief executives should not profit from overseeing catastrophic failures in water infrastructure?
Minister reply
I absolutely agree; the previous regulatory regime permitted such payments, but we have changed the law to prevent this happening again.
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Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that Scotland needs similar urgent action to address water pollution challenges, only achievable under a Scottish Labour Government?
Minister reply
I concur; a reset in Scotland is necessary for cleaning up pollution from rivers, lakes, and seas. A Scottish Labour victory can deliver this change.
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Question
My constituents have faced a massive rise in bills, exacerbated by earlier water supply disruptions. I welcome the Secretary of State’s commitment to devolving economic regulation for Wales. Does he agree that this demonstrates the value of two Labour Governments working together?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State agrees with his hon. Friend's sentiment and acknowledges the importance of collaboration in addressing water sector issues.
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Question
Residents in Gillingham and Rainham have experienced severe bill hikes and pollution problems, while Southern Water's CEO received a significant bonus. Does the Secretary of State agree that this is unacceptable? Will he ensure that any loophole allowing such bonuses is closed under new reforms?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State agrees with his hon. Friend that these bonuses are disgraceful and will take action to prevent such practices in future.
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Question
My constituents are disgusted by water companies profiting from environmental degradation. How can we tighten monitoring procedures to ensure local benefits?
Minister reply
Monitoring will be compulsory for every outlet, with real-time data publication to ensure transparency and accountability.
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Question
Portsmouth residents are suffering from water pollution and high bills. Will the Secretary of State confirm that this Government will take action rather than just monitor, ensuring fair practices serve public interest?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State confirms his commitment to action, not just monitoring, and agrees to meet with the hon. Member to explore further measures.
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Question
Residents in Earley and Woodley have seen significant bill increases at Thames Water. Will the Secretary of State ensure that these funds are used for infrastructure improvements rather than payouts to bosses?
Minister reply
The new regulatory regime will prevent misuse of customer funds, ensuring they are invested in necessary upgrades.
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Question
Suffolk's chalk streams are neglected with dangerously high ammonia levels. Does the Secretary of State agree that these streams must be protected?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State agrees that protecting Suffolk's chalk streams is a priority.
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Question
10% of UK’s chalk streams run through Hertfordshire, including the River Stort and the River Lea. Will this Labour Government protect these precious local chalk streams?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State reassures his hon. Friend that reforms will reduce pollution and abstraction from chalk streams.
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Question
Thames Water has diverted funds from local bills to shareholder dividends, leading to sewage discharges. Can the Secretary of State clarify what happens if Thames Water does not invest enough in stopping spills?
Minister reply
The new regulatory regime will allow for closer supervision and earlier intervention if companies fail to meet investment commitments.
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Question
A sewage leak was reported today, adding to residents' frustration over bill hikes. How will the new water ombudsman help challenge unfair bills?
Minister reply
Customers will have the right to go to an independent statutory ombudsman for complaints and will receive increased levels of compensation.
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Question
To reduce CSO spills, we need to address rainfall entering combined pipes through planning. Will the Secretary of State enact schedule 3 to the Flood and Water Management Act 2010?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State intends to proceed with this recommendation for England but acknowledges differences in Scotland's governance.
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Question
Residents question how CEOs can oversee record sewage spillage, infrastructure decline, and bill hikes while enjoying large bonuses. Will the Secretary of State ensure this never happens again?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State confirms a commitment to never abandon bill payers again, revolutionising the water sector for customer protection.
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Question
Residents are concerned about sewage discharges into the estuary. Will the Secretary of State meet to discuss flushable wipes' actual impact?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State agrees to arrange a meeting to address these concerns.
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Question
Thames Water has spent thousands of hours dumping sewage into the River Blackwater in Sandhurst and the Cut in Bracknell. Under this Government, it has been hit by the largest fine ever and its bonuses have been blocked, but now it seems to think that it should be allowed to get away with giving its bosses bonuses—that it has a special right not to have to pay those fines. Will the Secretary of State tell Thames Water to jog on?
Minister reply
I think my hon. Friend has already done the job for me.