People urged to have their say to 'fix the the broken water system'

Bolton West MP Phil Brickell has praised a ‘major step forward’ following the passing of the government’s Water Bill (Special Measures) last week. The Bill’s passing comes after the UK and Welsh governments established the Independent Water Commission to initiate a comprehensive reform of the water sector in October 2024. A survey revealed that 82 per cent of the British public supported the government setting up an independent public inquiry into the discharge of raw sewage and pollution into seas.

The Water Bill (Special Measures) was passed last week, notes Phil Brickell (Image: Office of Phil Brickell) The Commission has since launched a Call for Evidence, which is open until 23rd April, to outline the current issues based on the evidence the Commission has gathered so far, and areas for potential change that the Commission wishes to explore. Mr Brickell said: “ The Labour Government inherited a water system with crumbling infrastructure, bursting pipes and record levels of sewage pollution. Last week, the Water Bill (Special Measures) was passed.



"Whilst I’m delighted that this went ahead, we need to fundamentally look at our water system and give it a reset. Throughout the country, water companies are acting as monopolies and increasing our bills. READ MORE: Borough MP Phil Brickell welcomes funding for Bolton Hospice Bolton MP working with government to hold water industry to account Phil Brickell appointed as Member of the UK's NATO delegation “During the past couple of weeks, as water bills have landed, I have received numerous complaints of the significant rise in household expenditure on water.

"As someone who uses our waterways regularly for sport, I’ve been concerned about the unfettered dumping of sewage in our rivers, lakes and seas. Phil Brickell regularly uses the water ways for sport (Image: Office of Phil Brickell) “This Independent Water Commission is a major step forward in our wider reform to fix the broken water system. This Labour Government will outline further legislation to fundamentally transform how the water industry is run and speed up the delivery of upgrades to our sewage infrastructure.

We are determined to clean up our waterways for good “To do this, we need to know your views. If you want to be part of this change, then I urge you to complete the Call for Evidence that the Independent Water Commission launched at the end of February. The Call for Evidence closes on the 23rd April 2025.

”.