South West Water £112m dividend "slap in the face" for communities facing sewage dumping

EMBARGO: For Immediate Release

Responding to the news that South West Water owner Pennon Group is increasing its dividends by almost 11% to £112 million, despite facing an Ofwat probe into leaks, Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson Tim Farron said:

"This is a slap in the face for communities in the South West facing a hosepipe ban while their beaches are ruined by filthy sewage dumping.

"While South West Water are failing to fix leaks and pumping sewage into our precious coastlines, they're still handing out bumper dividends. 

"The Environment Secretary is clearly asleep at the wheel, allowing water companies to take money that should be spent on cleaning up the South West coast. The public need an answer on this unjustified dividend payout."

ENDS

Notes to Editor

Story reported here.