Caroline Voaden, Liberal Democrat MP for South Devon, has called for an immediate ban on executive bonuses at South West Water after it was announced earlier this week (8th October) that the company would have to pay back £17.4 million due to poor performance.
It comes as the new government’s Water Bill is set to be debated in Parliament. The Liberal Democrats have said the bill is only a “half-measure” and will table an amendment that would enforce an immediate ban on water company bosses bonuses.
The Liberal Democrats have previously revealed that there were 5,279 sewage spills last year in what was previously the Totnes constituency. Local MP, Caroline Voaden, said that the steps by the regulator announced today needed to be a “watershed” moment for South West Water and that it was “high time” action was taken on these polluting firms.
Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for South Devon, Caroline Voaden, said: “For too long the Conservatives allowed water companies to ride roughshod over people here in South Devon, pumping their filthy sewage into our waterways while bosses took home massive bonuses.
“That must end. No longer should these people be personally rewarded for failing to protect our precious environment, while at the same time hiking bills for residents.
“Disappointingly, the new government’s water bill is only a half measure and nowhere near tough enough on these polluting firms.
“That is why I am proud to support the Liberal Democrats amendment to the bill, which would ban water company bosses’ bonuses until leaks are fixed and sewage spills end. Only then will we start to get a fair deal for people here in South Devon.”
You can join us on our social media pages, follow us on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Threads where you can keep up to date with whats going on in South Devon.
Got a news story, blog or press release that you’d like to share or want to advertise with us? Get in touch via email admin@wearesouthdevon.com
