Fight against sewage driven forward by local MP

An amendment that would have made water company senior managers liable for not meeting pollution performance commitment levels has been voted down by the Government, after it was introduced by local Liberal Democrat MP Lisa Smart.

The MP, who introduced the first ever council-led inquiry into sewage dumping by utility companies when she was on Stockport Council, has continued her fight at parliament. She proposed the changes as part of the debate on the Crime and Policing Bill this week. 

The Hazel Grove MP, and Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson, Lisa Smart said: “It is completely scandalous that customers have to foot the bill of failing water companies, whilst executives line their pockets with extortionate bonuses.

“The Government has not gone far enough to tackle this, and it is incredibly disappointing that Labour MPs have not supported our amendment today- any pollution into British waterways is too much, and executives who are responsible for egregious sewage pollution shouldn't get off scot-free.”

She promised that the Liberal Democrats would continue the fight for changes, having seen the impact that sewage dumping can have locally. In one example, a local tree-planting programme in the constituency was cancelled after a sewage leak left the ground in too poor a condition to be used. 

She added: “Liberal Democrat MPs will continue to hold the Government’s feet to the fire until they knuckle down and get tough on polluting water companies and hold executives accountable.”