Pollution of Waterways 2024-12-19
2024-12-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The public is concerned about sewage polluting rivers, lakes, and seas. Water companies are responsible for significant pollution.
What progress has been made on reducing pollution in waterways? The Government's programme aims to ban the payment of undeserved bonuses to executives who fail to address pollution issues.
The Bill will place water companies under special measures, banning bonuses for executives responsible for sewage polluting rivers and seas. The review aims to shape further legislation that will clean up rivers, lakes, and seas.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timelines or commitments were not provided on how the Bill will ensure the end of sewage dumping in Altrincham and Sale West.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Last year, there were 3,366 hours of sewage dumping in Altrincham and Sale West's waterways, leaving them in poor condition.
Will the Secretary of State outline how the Water (Special Measures) Bill will ensure the end of sewage dumping into rivers and streams for good? The Bill aims to ban bonuses for executives responsible for pollution.
The Bill will prevent companies from paying undeserved bonuses, ensuring money is spent on infrastructure improvements instead. This should stop sewage dumping into rivers and streams.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures for Altrincham and Sale West were not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The all-party parliamentary group on water pollution recognises that agricultural run-off is a significant source of pollution, similar to sewage dumping.
Will the Secretary of State tackle agricultural pollution with urgency and focus? The issue requires funding, support for farmers, and clear regulatory enforcement for a level playing field. Over 40% of pollution comes from agricultural run-off.
Sir Jon Cunliffe's commission is reviewing all sources of pollution, including agriculture. Budgets for sustainable farming practices and a farming road map are being developed to reduce fertilizer use and run-off.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific funding amounts or enforcement measures were not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Customers are concerned about Thames Water's environmental obligations and service commitments.
Will the Secretary of State confirm that no regulatory easement will be issued to Thames Water, so its environmental obligations remain in place? The third time this has been asked in this Chamber.
The Government are monitoring closely and placing water companies under tough regulatory special measures. No previous easements were given by the current or previous Governments to ease environmental obligations.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment on no easement for Thames Water was not confirmed.
Response accuracy