Water Pollution 2024-11-14
2024-11-14
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Water companies have discharged record levels of sewage into rivers under the previous government, leaving waterways in a polluted state.
What steps his Department is taking to help prevent water pollution by utility companies?
We are placing water companies under special measures with legislation banning unfair bonuses and launching a root and branch review of the sector. Legislation will go through Parliament.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The River Avon and its tributaries in Stratford-on-Avon have been heavily polluted by untreated sewage, monitored through citizen science projects like SafeAvon.
Will the Government commit to a national environmental monitoring strategy and require water companies to monitor volumes as well as duration of storm overflows?
The catchment-based approach to water will be considered, and the point about monitoring will be evaluated by Sir Jon Cunliffe's commission. Submissions for review are due in 2025.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to a national environmental monitoring strategy and volume monitoring of storm overflows.
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Laws need to be enforced with adequate resources, and the question is about how enforcement agencies can be self-funded through fines levied on polluting water firms.
Will the Secretary of State consider how enforcement agencies might be self-funding through money raised from fines levied on polluting water firms?
Points regarding polluters paying for further enforcement action will be brought into the Water (Special Measures) Bill, creating a virtuous circle to clean up waterways.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy