Sir Ed Davey has accused the Conservatives of 'failing' on water pollution and letting big companies 'off the hook', as he announced Liberal Democrat plans to tackle the sewage crisis. Speaking on the campaign trail in Chichester, the party leader said the public were 'alarmed' about damage to rivers and seas, calling it an environmental, public health and economic issue.
The Lib Dems have proposed abolishing Ofwat and creating a new water regulator. Party analysis claims water company bosses have pocketed £54 million in bonuses since 2019. According to the Environment Agency, sewage spills into England's rivers and seas more than doubled in 2023, with 3.6 million hours of spills compared to 1.75 million in 2022.
Davey highlighted pollution's impact on tourism and small businesses in Chichester, saying: 'The Tories have let these large water companies off the hook by not being tough on them, and it's hitting the small businesses.' He also noted that the issue affects public health and animal health.
Ofwat has delayed its draft pricing decision for the water sector to July 11 due to the general election. Thames Water, with £15 billion debt, faces potential nationalisation after investors withdrew funding. The company has requested a 44% average bill hike over five years, while other firms seek rises from 14% to 73%.
Despite rampant pollution and planned bill increases, three major listed water companies—Pennon Group, Severn Trent and United Utilities—reported combined profits of £710 million for 2023-2024 and increased dividends. Chichester, held by Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, is a key Lib Dem target in the so-called 'blue wall' of southern England.
