“Scrapping Ofwat a big win for campaign to end sewage scandal in Southport” – Southport Lib Dems

Southport Liberal Democrats have welcomed the news that Ofwat is being replaced by a tougher water regulator, having been calling for this for the last three years.

In 2023 analysis by the party showed that United Utilities dumped sewage 114 times in Southport for a staggering total of 242 hours.

Scrapping Ofwat and bringing in much stronger regulation of water companies to tackle sewage dumping was a key commitment in the Liberal Democrat manifesto for the General Election last year.  The party also believe that water companies should be taken out of private hands and Public Interest Companies created – this will allow for profits to be reinvested for long-term improvements to our water supply.

Councillor Mike Sammon commented: “It’s great news that the toothless and useless Ofwat is being replaced, but this should only be the beginning of a long term plans to clean up our beaches and waterways. This fight is far from over. The government must now get on with setting up a new, stronger regulator to hold water companies to account.

“As a party, the Liberal Democrats have led the way in demanding tougher action against sewage pollution, soaring bills and bloated bonuses for water company bosses. Sewage threatens Southport’s health and our economy as a seaside town.”