Eastleigh MP demands bosses bonus ban for Southern Water following new Ofwat report

It comes as the new government’s Water Bill is set to be debated in Parliament. The Liberal Democrats have said the bill is only a “half-measure” and will table an amendment that would enforce an immediate ban on water company bosses bonuses.

The Liberal Democrats have previously revealed that there were 458 sewage spills in Eastleigh last year. Local MP, Liz Jarvis said that the steps by the regulator announced today needed to be a “watershed” moment for Southern Water and that it was “high time” action was taken on these polluting firms. 

Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Eastleigh Liz Jarvis said: 

“For too long the Conservatives allowed water companies to ride roughshod over people here in Eastleigh, pumping their filthy sewage into our waterways all the while the bosses took home massive bonuses.

“That must end. No longer should these people be personally rewarded for failing to protect our local environment all whilst hiking bills on people in our area.

“Disappointingly, the new government’s bill does not go far enough and is nowhere near tough enough on these polluting firms.

“That is why I am proud to support the Liberal Democrats amendment to the bill, which would ban water company bosses' bonuses until leaks are fixed and sewage spills end. Only then will we start to get a fair deal for people here in Eastleigh.”