Sewage Discharges 2023-10-19
2023-10-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question stems from concerns about the adequacy of measures to prevent sewage discharges, a long-standing issue affecting water quality.
What assessment has been made of the steps taken by her Department to prevent sewage discharges? Labour criticizes the current government's lack of action when they were in power.
We have gone further and faster than any Government in history to drive down sewage discharges. Last month we published our £60 billion plan, which sets stringent targets to reduce sewage discharges. Those targets will prioritise action at target sites.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Ofwat raised concerns about the financial resilience of several water companies, highlighting risks that need to be mitigated.
Water companies require stable finances for improvements. Given Ofwat's December 2022 report outlining concerns about financial resilience, what has been done and what plans are in place to mitigate these risks?
I have written to all the water companies that were highlighted as lagging, and I have written to the CEO and chair of Ofwat to ask how they will hold these water companies to account.
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Assessment & feedback
Future plans not specified
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the progress made in monitoring sewage overflows and the approach to dealing with them, questioning nationalisation as a solution.
Given that only 4% of sewage overflows are monitored in Scotland, does this not indicate that the current approach is progressing correctly and that nationalising water companies is unnecessary?
I agree with my hon. Friend.
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Assessment & feedback
Question not answered directly, agreement made without specifics
Response accuracy