Ashley Fox MP has spoken in Parliament on the importance of improving water quality for coastal communities, particularly in Burnham-on-Sea, Berrow, and Brean. During a debate on the Water Special Measures Bill, Ashley emphasised the vital role clean bathing water plays in supporting local tourism and providing a healthy environment for residents.
"It's important for the tourism industry and for local people who enjoy those beaches that we improve the quality of our bathing water, so I welcome the Water Special Measures Bill that is before us today," said Ashley Fox.
The Bill includes measures to block bonuses for water company executives who pollute waterways, introduce criminal charges for persistent offenders, impose automatic fines, and expand independent monitoring of sewer overflows. Ashley Fox welcomed these steps but also advocated for additional safeguards to ensure that penalties directly benefit local communities.
Speaking in favour of two proposed amendments, Ashley Fox called for:
- A Water Restoration Fund – ensuring that fines levied on water companies go towards environmental improvements rather than being absorbed by the Treasury.
- Stronger Penalties for Water Companies – preventing companies from passing fines onto consumers by mandating equivalent reductions in customer bills when civil penalties are imposed.
"This is important because otherwise, the water company that has been fined will simply pass on that fine to consumers, meaning there is no real penalty for wrongdoing," Ashley Fox stated.
He urged the government to support these measures to ensure that fines serve as real deterrents and lead to tangible improvements in water quality.
