Sewage: Govt caves in to Lib Dems on taxpayer money to polluting companies 

EMBARGO: Immediate release 

This afternoon the Government has caved into the Liberal Democrat campaign to end sewage discharges into rivers, by accepting the party’s amendment which stops taxpayers money going to water companies unless the discharges stop. 

Liberal Democrat MP Richard Foord tabled the amendment to the UK Infrastructure Bank Bill, which originally wrote a blank cheque of taxpayers money to polluting water companies. The Government’s original proposal was described as “scandalous” by the Devon MP, given the firms’ polluting habits and multi-million pound bonuses to executives last year. 

The change to the Bill means the UK Infrastructure Bank can only fund water companies if they produce a costed and timed plan for ending sewage discharges into rivers. 

The Liberal Democrats will continue their campaign to demand the Government puts an end to water companies poisoning rivers and wildlife with sewage discharges. 

Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton & Honiton Richard Foord said: 

"This is a victory for millions of people across the country who have voiced their outrage at water companies being allowed to get away with polluting rivers and coastlines. 

“The Liberal Democrats have been their voice on this environmental scandal and we will continue to champion their cause. 

"My amendment ensures water companies won't receive a blank cheque with taxpayers’ money whilst they pollute our rivers and damage local wildlife. It would have been scandalous for taxpayers’ money to be thrown at firms who pay their execs multi-million pound bonuses, all whilst destroying our environment. 

"However, there is still a long way to go. The Government is still refusing to ban sewage discharges into swimming water and areas where protected wildlife live - and they are still refusing to ban water company CEOs rewarding themselves with bonuses whilst this environmental scandal happens.

“The fight continues and I’ll keep holding the Government and water companies to account.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

Text of amendment: 

Clause 2, page 1, line 14, at end insert 

“, and (c) to improve water quality in the UK.” 

Member's explanatory statement: This amendment would add improving water quality in the UK to the Bank’s objectives. 

Clause 2, page 1, line 22, at end insert— 

“(4A) The Bank may only provide any of the support listed in subsection (4) to water companies if they have produced a costed, time-limited plan demonstrating they are committed to preventing discharge.”

Member's explanatory statement: This amendment would require water companies to have a costed, time-limited plan, demonstrating they are committed to preventing discharges before they can receive investment from the UKIB.