Lib Dems appalled over South West Water profits

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Lib Dems appalled over South West Water profits

In response to South West Water’s parent company, Pennon, reporting a £114 million pre-tax profit, the Liberal Democrat MP for South Devon Caroline Voaden said:

“South West Water's record is abysmal - they have raised bills by £166 for the average household and plagued our region with a cryptosporidium outbreak. It is disgraceful to see that, despite this, Pennon have still managed to carve a £114 million profit thanks to their monopoly over our water.

“South West Water was the worst offender for sewage spills last year with over 400,000 hours of dumping in our rivers, lakes and seas, yet they have no shame in fleecing customers to satisfy their stakeholders. They have the money, but where is the investment in our neglected infrastructure?

“How can Pennon keep a straight face when reporting this profit after they forced customers to pay higher bills and were responsible for a major public health incident in Brixham. The impunity that these companies act with is repeatedly staggering and yet the government is still sitting on its hands, helping them avoid accountability.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:
 

• Times article: South West Water owner back in profit after bills rise 28%
• BBC coverage of 2024 outbreak: Water firm fined £1.8m over parasite outbreak