The chief executive of Yorkshire Water, Liz Barber, has come under fire after it was revealed she received a hefty £1.3m payment last year, despite the company's dismal performance in tackling sewage pollution. The water firm, which serves over five million customers, failed to meet its own targets for reducing spills into rivers and seas, yet executives still pocketed massive bonuses.
Public Backlash Over 'Rewarding Failure'
Environmental campaigners and customers have expressed outrage at the revelations, accusing Yorkshire Water of prioritising profits over environmental responsibility. The company admitted to 67,000 sewage spills last year alone, lasting a combined total of more than 300,000 hours.
Defending the Indefensible
Yorkshire Water attempted to justify the payments, stating they reflected 'company performance' and were approved by the board. However, critics argue that rewarding executives while pollution continues unabated sends entirely the wrong message.
Call for Regulatory Action
The scandal has reignited calls for tougher regulation of water companies and executive pay in the sector. With public trust at an all-time low, pressure is mounting for meaningful action to hold water firms accountable for both environmental performance and executive remuneration.
