Campaigners slam Government plans to deal with clear up of UK waters | Politics | News | EUROtoday

Labour’s plans to wash the nation’s rivers lack the “bold reform” wanted to deal with the UK’s “freshwater emergency”, campaigners warned. Water corporations can be required to hold out infrastructure “MOTs” to stop main failures, underneath proposals for a brand new trade watchdog. These will embody well being checks on their infrastructure, to establish crumbling pipes or points at sewage therapy works.

The hope is that disasters similar to South East Water’s pipes bursting in chilly climate, which just lately left hundreds of houses with out provide, are recognized beforehand. A chief engineer may also sit inside the brand new water regulator for the primary time in 20 years, bringing again hands-on checks of infrastructure in order that companies “are not marking their own homework”. The plans type a part of the Government’s response to public fury over rising payments, sewage air pollution and enormous bonuses for bosses.

But James Wallace, chief govt of campaigners River Action, stated: “The Government recognises the scale of the freshwater emergency, but lacks the urgency and bold reform to tackle it.

“Proposals for a new water regulator, including the appointment of a Chief Engineer, alongside infrastructure ‘MOTs’ and no-notice inspections of water companies, are welcome steps, provided the regulator is truly independent, equipped with real powers and funded by The Treasury to hold polluters to account.

“However, major gaps remain. None of these reforms will make a meaningful difference unless the failed privatised model is confronted head on. Pollution for profit is the root cause of this crisis, yet the White Paper is vague on when the Government will step in to take control of failing water companies. Clear, published triggers for Special Administration are essential, and a commitment to restructure water company investment and ownership, prioritising public benefit and environmental performance.”

Existing regulator Ofwat is unlikely to be axed earlier than 2027, and the method to ascertain the brand new regulator can be advanced – which means it’s unclear when it can begin working.

But the Government will say right this moment that it’s going to set out a transition path within the coming months, with new laws for the system to take impact.

Liberal Democrat setting spokesman Tim Farron warned the nation wants a “serious refit” of the water sector, including “this plan isn’t it.”

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds stated: “These are once-in-a-generation reforms for our water system – tough oversight, real accountability, and no more excuses.

“Water companies will have nowhere to hide from poor performance, customers will get the service they deserve, and investors will see a system built for the future.

“This builds on the tough action we’ve already delivered, from record investment to banning unfair bonuses.”

Philip Duffy, chief govt of the Environment Agency, referred to as the Water White Paper “a key milestone in turning around our water system”.

Chris Walters, Ofwat’s interim chief govt, stated: “The creation of a new water regulator for England will bring a renewed focus, improve the sector for customers, investors and the environment, and rebuild trust. In the meantime, our work continues.”

A Water UK spokesman stated: “The focus must now shift from diagnosis to delivery. Our country will not have the environment it wants or the economic growth it needs until a new water regulator is established.”