The Worcester Lib Dems have today reacted to the news that water
regulator OFWAT has instructed water companies across the country to
refund customers nearly £158m due to their poor performances.
OFWAT have stated that the refunds would come off bills during 2025-2026 and
would be calculated during December.
Mel Allcott, city and county councillor for Claines, raised the problems
surrounding Worcester and the River Severn during her maiden speech at the Lib
Dem Party conference in September.
In her speech she said ‘I know from speaking to my residents, they have had
enough. Water bosses have been allowed to take huge bonuses, whilst
sewage is being dumped, into our rivers and seas
Labour…have pledged to give OFWAT more power. We need more than a
pledge. We need real change.’
In response to todays announcement Cllr Allcott said ‘While the government’s
recent action on water is welcomed, it’s clear that punishment alone is not
enough.
‘Severn Trent, one of the companies praised in the latest report, is being
allowed to increase prices, despite untreated sewage ending up in our
rivers. Yes, they may be better than most, but that’s only because the bar
has been set too low.
We need a fundamental shift in culture, which is why the Liberal Democrats’
plan to restructure water companies is the only way forward. By embedding
investment and social benefit into their articles of association, we can
ensure long-term accountability and real change. Simply fining companies
will only go so far.’
