Labour has launched a scathing attack on the water regulator Ofwat, accusing it of failing to hold water companies accountable for repeated failures. The criticism comes amid growing public anger over the sewage crisis, which has been highlighted by Channel 4's drama Dirty Business.
Recent incidents include South West Water pleading guilty to supplying water unfit for human consumption, and South East Water being fined £22.5m for supply failures affecting over 280,000 people across three years. Labour argues that Ofwat has not done enough to prevent such failures or to penalise companies adequately.
The sewage pollution scandal, which has unfolded over the past six years, has seen key figures at regulators and privatised water companies face heavy criticism. Labour's attack adds political pressure on the government to reform the regulatory system and ensure stricter oversight of the water industry.
