Earlier this week the government announced a new Independent Water Commission to deliver the biggest review of the industry since privatisation.
However the Liberal Democrats have reiterated the need for more urgency in dealing with the sewage crisis, which plagues Britain’s coastlines, lakes and rivers.
This comes after the Environment Secretary Steve Reed bemoaned the lack of water infrastructure, saying that Oxford does not have the capacity to allow house building to go ahead.
In Oxfordshire, Lib Dem MPs have been vocal about the need to protect the county’s waterways. MPs have spoken out in support of bathing spots in Wallingford and Wolvercote, and raised sewage dumping across the county in Parliament.
READ MORE: Oxford ‘lacks capacity’ for house building to go ahead, government minister says
Oxford Sewage Treatment Works (Image: Contributed) They are also calling on Thames Water to abandon their plans to hike bills, running an online petition.
Olly Glover, Charlie Maynard, Calum Miller, Layla Moran, and Freddie van Mierlo said: “We need far more urgency from the government if we are to stop Thames Water repeatedly polluting our community with foul sewage.
“Whilst a review of the industry is a step in the right direction, it should not be used as a tool to kick the can down the road on immediate reforms.
“Even before this commission begins, the government must act now by creating a new regulator with the teeth and power needed to hold these profiteering firms to account.
“Sadly, the government’s approach is still a job half done. With £18bn of debt, Thames Water is in no position to invest what is required to get our rivers clean again.
“It is time to put environmental protection above shareholders and creditors in the water industry, and finally put an end to this national scandal.”
Ministers say the Water Commission’s recommendations, which will be handed to them in the second quarter of next year, will form the basis of further legislation to attract long-term investment and clean up the country’s polluted waterways and coasts.
The move comes after years of underinvestment, a growing population and extreme weather caused by climate change have led to intense pressure on England’s ageing water system, causing widespread flooding, supply issues, sewage pollution and leakages.
A spokesperson for industry body Water UK said the sector welcomed the commission.
They said: “Our current system is not working and needs major reform. The regulatory system is overly complex and too slow to approve vital new infrastructure.
“New homes have been blocked and even a new cancer hospital has been held up due to a lack of water.
“We hope this Water Commission can take a fundamental look at the root causes and provide clear recommendations on the changes needed.”