Water customers deserve better protection.  

Local MP, Andrew George expressed disappointment that Labour and Conservative MPs failed to back Liberal Democrat proposals to protect customers from footing the bill for water company bailouts in a House of Commons vote last night. On average, a third of customers’ bills are spent servicing water company debt.  

Andrew said, “Customers should not have to foot the bill for water companies that have put Executive bonuses and dividends above public service and our environment. It is incredibly disappointing that Labour and Conservative MPs failed to take the opportunity to right that wrong last night. The government must urgently address this and ensure customers are not left to pick up the tab.    

“My Liberal Democrat colleagues and I have long fought to end the sewage scandal and ensure customers are treated fairly. I am proud we led the campaign to introduce a single social tariff for vulnerable households.    

“With bills on the rise again – even for South West Water customers who have paid through the nose for over 30 years – the government must do everything it can to support vulnerable customers in water poverty. But without a radical overhaul of the water sector, this measure alone will not be enough.”