July 16th, 2024.



James MacCleary MP has backed a Parliamentary Motion urging Ofwat to reconsider water bill rises.

The motion, proposed by Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson Sarah Olney MP, will be presented once the King has re-opened Parliament next week.

Southern Water has announced it will hike bills by a staggering 44%, despite water firms being allowed to dump raw sewage into local waterways. South East Water has also announced plans for an 8% rise.

During the general election, the Liberal Democrats called for Ofwat to be abolished and a new water regulator established with greater powers.

The Liberal Democrats are calling on Ofwat to use existing powers to crackdown on large water bill rises. The party is also calling on the government to implement a ban on water company executive bonuses until sewage discharges end and leaks are fixed.

Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Lewes, James MacCleary said: "This is an insulting water bill hike in the middle of a cost of living crisis and whilst water firms continue to pump raw sewage into the Ouse and the Cuckmere and into our coastal waters at Newhaven and Seaford.

"Southern Water should not be allowed to get away with this. Communities like ours voted to take tough action on these polluting and profiteering firms. The regulator and government must listen.

"People told me they want an MP who will stand up against these firms. That is why my first Parliamentary Motion signature will be to call out these disgraced firms for their water bill hikes."