Council Agrees Action On Southern Water After No Confidence Motion Fails

A motion declaring no confidence in Southern Water's work on the Isle of Wight has failed to secure enough support from councillors.

The proposal, brought forward following a petition signed by nearly 3,300 people, criticised the water company's handling of wastewater infrastructure, sewage discharges, public transparency and communication with affected communities.

Instead, councillors backed a joint motion put forward by Independent council leader Phil Jordan? Wait correction. Actually provided says Jonathan Bacon.

We must not invent. Use provided.

The alternative motion, proposed by Independent council leader Jonathan Bacon and Reform UK councillor Les Kirkby, was approved.

Under the agreed motion, the Isle of Wight Council will write to Ofwat, the Environment Agency and the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to express its "serious concerns" over Southern Water's environmental performance and call for a review into whether the company is meeting expected regulatory and service standards.

The council will also establish a clear evidence base, bringing together information on the frequency, location and impact of sewage discharges around the Island.

This will include evidence from residents, businesses, the tourism sector and public health agencies.

Councillors also agreed to coordinate lobbying efforts for stronger enforcement and accountability of water companies, while inviting senior representatives from Southern Water, Ofwat and the Environment Agency to attend a future council meeting to answer questions on environmental performance and planned improvements.

The motion also calls on Southern Water to provide written assurances that sufficient investment will be made in the Island's infrastructure and that planned improvements will be delivered in a timely manner.

The company will also be asked to confirm what measures are being taken to reduce sewage discharges and their environmental impact.

More to follow.