Scrapping Ofwat a big win for campaign to end sewage scandal in Reading

Reading Liberal Democrats have welcomed the news that Ofwat is being replaced by a tougher water regulator as a victory for local people.

Scrapping Ofwat and bringing in much stronger regulation of water companies to tackle sewage dumping was a key commitment in the Liberal Democrat manifesto last year.

Liberal Democrat Councillor for Tilehurst, Meri O’Connell, commented on the news:

“I am pleased that action is finally being taken to tackle sewage dumping and clean up our rivers/beaches, after years of the Conservatives turning a blind eye to this scandal.

"The Liberal Democrats have led the way in demanding tougher action against sewage pollution, soaring bills and bloated bonuses for water company bosses.

“I hear from countless people who were furious about the state of our local rivers/beaches and the water companies being let off the hook.

“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.

“I will be relentlessly fighting to ensure sewage spills are stopped, bills brought down, and our waterways cleaned up for everyone to enjoy in future.”