Dr Neil Hudson MP has today written to United Utilities requesting an update on progress installing new monitors in sewage overflows across Penrith and The Border. The Government introduced new monitoring requirements for the first time, to increase transparency and ensure accountability for sewage overflow usage.
These data have already been used to drive around £1.1 billion of water company investment, which will see 800 investigations and nearly 800 improvements to storm overflows over the next four years. It is also an important source of information for local campaigns to push for greater action, and to inform enforcement action from the water regulators.
This follows Dr Hudson's passionate campaigning to overhaul our Victorian infrastructure and stem the tide of unacceptable sewage discharges. He has consistently raised the issue, be that in Parliament, discussions with Ministers or on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee where he has quizzed the Environment Agency and the regulating body, Ofwat.
Just this month, the Penrith MP also wrote to Ofwat urging the Chief Executive to consider tying water company shareholder pay-outs to how well they perform for customers and the environment.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, said:
"I've had a considerable number of constituents write to me about the water companies discharging sewage into our precious waterways. I hear you, and as such have been consistently campaigning to tackle this unacceptable issue. Thanks to our Conservative Government introducing new sewage discharge monitors we were able to see the extent of the problem for the first time and now by making sure they are installed locally we can make sure water companies are transparent with their improvements.
"United Utilities have recently announced plans to invest more than £50 million to help improve water quality in the River Eden and so I hope this shows we can work collaboratively to find a solution that delivers for everyone."
