The attached and below has gone to all MPs and all campaign groups in our network. Please do follow-up with your MP or pass onto anyone you think would be interested.
Many thanks
Prof Becky Malby
To All MPs
Dear all
Briefing on securing clean rivers, lakes and seas.
At the drop-in hosted by Clive Lewis recently, MPs taking part asked us for a simple briefing on the key issues we face nationally in securing clean rivers, lakes and seas.
Please find attached a briefing from Ilkley Clean River Group, Save Windermere, SOS Whitstable, Windrush Against Sewage, Henley Mermaids, River Action and Surfers AgAinst Sewage. We hope this answers any questions you may have, but if you do need more information please do reply to this email address.
Water (Special Measures) Bill
Please also find attached four amendments to the water (Special Measures) Bill that strengthen the bill to ensure customers and the environment are protected and address the weakness in regulation.
We propose amendments to the bill:
- Put failing water companies into special administration
- Stop public bailout of the water industry (the bill allows for public bailout).
- Reform the duties of Ofwat to be for clean water, conservation and regional bills. This brings English water regulation up to the standards of, and improves upon, the Water (Scotland) Act 1980 section 1 (The Bill puts growth before the environment. ).
- Put employees and bill payers on the Boards of water companies. This reflects the normal practice in most wealthier OECD countries for large companies.
We have had the assistance of Prof Ewan McGaughey, Professor of Law at King’s College University, London, in drafting the attached clauses and explanatory notes.
Prof Becky Malby, Ilkley Clean River Group
Matt Staniek, Save Windermere
Sal Burtt Jones, SOS Whitstable
Ashley Smith, Windrush Against Sewage
Amendments to the Water (Special Measures) Bill 28.09.2024
Briefing on Key Issues to Secure Clean Rivers Lakes and Seas Sept 2024 (1)