How much raw sewage is released into rivers and the sea?
In April 2023 the previous Conservative government announced a plan, external to improve water quality.
As part of this, it said polluters could face unlimited fines in the future, external which would be re-invested into a new Water Restoration Fund which aims to improve water quality.
Six months later Water UK, the industry body, announced plans on behalf of its members to almost double spending to pay for upgrades and cut sewage discharges.
It said this would be the “most ambitious modernisation of sewers since the Victorian era”, but that customer bills would have to rise by £156 a year to cover the cost.
Since taking office in July the Labour government has announced a series of proposed reforms, promising consumers higher compensation for sewage failures and the power to hold executives to account.
It plans to introduce new measures to ensure that money earmarked for investment and improvements cannot be diverted to pay salaries or dividends.
Speaking in response to Ofwat’s proposed fines, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed said: “We will outline further legislation to transform and reset our water industry and restore our rivers, lakes and seas to good health.”
#raw #sewage #released #rivers #sea