FINING water companies will “only go so far” – a full restructure is needed.
This is according Worcester’s Liberal Democrats in reaction to the news that water regulator OFWAT has instructed water companies across the country to refund customers nearly £158million due to their poor performances.
OFWAT have stated that the refunds would come off bills during 2025 to 2026 and would be calculated during December.
Coun Mel Allcott, city and county councillor for Claines, raised the problems surrounding Worcester and the River Severn during her maiden speech at the Lib Dem Party conference in September.
In her speech she said: “I know from speaking to my residents, they have had enough. Water bosses have been allowed to take huge bonuses, while sewage is being dumped, into our rivers and seas. Labour have pledged to give OFWAT more power. We need more than a pledge. We need real change.”
And in response to OFWAT’s announcement Coun Allcott added: “While the government’s recent action on water is welcomed, it’s clear that punishment alone is not enough.
“Severn Trent, one of the companies praised in the latest report, is being allowed to increase prices, despite untreated sewage ending up in our rivers. Yes, they may be better than most, but that’s only because the bar has been set too low.
“We need a fundamental shift in culture, which is why the Liberal Democrats’ plan to restructure water companies is the only way forward. By embedding investment and social benefit into their articles of association, we can ensure long-term accountability and real change. Simply fining companies will only go so far.”
