Scrapping Ofwat – an important step – Still much more to do to end the sewage scandal. 

Scrapping Ofwat – an important step.  

Still much more to do to end the sewage scandal. 

Cornwall Liberal Democrat MPs Andrew George and Ben Maguire welcomed the news that Ofwat is being replaced by a tougher water regulator as a victory for local people. 

The decision comes a week after the Chief Executive of South West Water, Susan Davy, was forced to “retire”. 

Commenting, Ben Maguire MP said “

Andrew said “We must build confidence in company reporting of sewage spills, put a stop to “dry day” storm outfalls, provide clear timely and prominent warnings to bathing water users, and see real investment in the clean-up.  

“Scrapping Ofwat and bringing in much stronger regulation of water companies to tackle sewage dumping is an important step forward. It’s a victory for local campaigners and was a key commitment in the Liberal Democrat election manifesto last year. 

“However, there’s still much more to do. We must keep the pressure up to force water companies to commit to clean up their act, rather than feather their nest. Since privatisation, they’ve collectively taken £84 billion from customers in dividends and bonuses. If that had been invested in infrastructure, we wouldn’t have this these problems. 

“The Liberal Democrats have led the way in demanding tougher action against sewage pollution, soaring bills and bloated bonuses for water company bosses.  

“This wouldn’t be happening without the incredible support we received from people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly at the general election last year. I heard from countless people who were furious about the state of our local rivers/beaches and the water companies being let off the hook.”