Waterway Cleanliness 2024-03-14
2024-03-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The Department's progress on improving water quality was questioned.
What recent progress has the Department made on improving water quality? The question highlights the importance of clean water to the public and concerns about pollution in waterways.
We have increased monitoring of storm overflows in England from 7% under Labour in 2010 to 100% today. We are holding water companies accountable through quadrupling checks, increasing unannounced inspections, giving Ofwat new powers to block bonuses and linking dividends to environmental performance.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Concerns were raised about water bills potentially rising by nearly 40% in the north-west due to infrastructure upgrades.
Do the Government agree that water companies should bear costs for sewage management rather than consumers? Water companies have committed £96 billion investment, but recent announcements suggest an additional £180 million fast-track investment over a year to prevent sewage spills.
The Government are clear that no one should pay extra for water companies cleaning up rivers. We have seen commitments for £96 billion investment over five years and announced a fast-track £180 million investment to prevent sewage spills.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Concerns were raised about sewage releases in York, with water company executives receiving £10 million bonuses.
When will the Minister end profiteering by investing in upgrading York's sewerage infrastructure? Water companies are promising a £96 billion investment over five years and Ofwat has new powers to limit bonuses for poor environmental performance.
Water companies have committed to invest £96 billion. Yorkshire Water is addressing sewage pollution, and Ofwat has power to restrict bonuses if companies pollute.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline for upgrading York's sewage system was not provided
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Concerns were raised about the lack of legally binding targets for reducing sewage pollution and upgrading wastewater treatment plants in Wales.
In Wales, where there are no legally binding targets to reduce sewage or upgrade waste water treatment plants, and no prosecutions due to policy against prosecuting companies. Which party runs the Administration in Wales?
I share concerns about Labour's failure to tackle spills, noting only 7% of storm overflows were monitored under Labour, compared with 100% today. Ninety percent of bathing waters are now classed as good or excellent.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific measures for tackling sewage pollution in Wales
Redirecting To Compare With Labour
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Discussion about the use of performic acid in water treatment.
Drinking water is treated with UV light and chlorine before reaching taps, but not necessarily disinfected unless heading towards designated bathing waters. France uses performic acid for treating Seine during Olympics; Southwold uses it too. Why has DEFRA been reluctant to roll out this method?
I am having conversations with officials from the Environment Agency and DEFRA on this issue. I am more than happy to meet to discuss further.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific plan for expanding performic acid use
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Criticism of the Government's approach to water quality, noting that no English river is in a good overall condition.
Despite recent progress on water quality, 'State of Our Rivers' report indicates not one English river is in a good condition. The only solution considered was stolen from Labour. Is it true that Britain's rivers cannot afford five more years of this Government?
When the Leader of Opposition says Wales would be blueprint, I fear. We see worse pollution under Welsh Labour. Our plan is about investment, stronger regulation and tougher enforcement against polluters.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific impact on rivers
Criticism Of Opposition
Response accuracy