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I was alarmed to see new Environment Agency data, released this week. The figures showed that 2023 was the worst year for sewage spills in England since records began. The number of sewage discharges by Anglian Water (the Southend area provider) has nearly doubled over the past year – from 16,082 spills in 2022 to 31,623 in 2023. The latest figures also show that the number of bathing waters in England receiving a classification of “poor” were at their highest since 2015.
The latest figures also show that the number of bathing waters in England receiving a classification of “poor” were at their highest since 2015. For an area like ours this is deeply troubling. Southend’s beaches should be the jewel in the crown – improving life for residents and attracting visitors. Yet a decade of inaction from the government has seen news stories about poor water quality on our coastline become a regular feature.
Despite being responsible for this illegal behaviour, water company bosses have awarded themselves over £25 million in bonuses and incentives since the last election. This clearly isn’t right.
Labour has pledged to give the water regulator powers to block the payment of bonuses for water bosses who dump sewage. We would put failing water companies into special measures, and introduce criminal charges for repeated illegal sewage dumping.
The Conservatives have dragged their heels on many of these things.
What is clear is that the current system has failed to regulate the sector or enforce the rules. Places like Southend are bearing the brunt, and change is desperately needed.
