Torbay MP Steve Darling slams missed opportunity to stop customers footing bill for water company failures

Torbay MP Steve Darling slams missed opportunity to stop customers footing bill for water company failures.

Labour and Conservative MPs failed to back Liberal Democrat plans to protect customers from footing the bill for water company bailouts in a House of Commons vote this week.

Steve and the Liberal Democrats proposed an amendment to the Water (Special Measures) Bill which would protect consumers from having to bail out bankrupt water companies. This amendment was rejected by the Conservatives and Labour.

On average, a third of bills are spent on debt, and the Party will continue to campaign for a fair deal for consumers.

People are also facing eye-watering water bill rises. Bills for South West Water customers are set to rise by £113 by 2029-20, an increase of 23%

Commenting, Steve  said: “We urgently need a fair deal that prioritises customers in Torbay above South West Water. For too long they have been able to get away with financial mismanagement knowing hard-working people will be expected to pick up the tab.

“I’m proud that the Liberal Democrats are taking the Government to task on the issue, and I hope the Government changes course and puts customers first.

“We have already secured a single social tariff for vulnerable customers and will continue to fight for fair bills, an end to pollution and better services for customers.”