Young people deliver letters calling for public ownership of water on Valentine’s Day
This Valentine’s Day, young people have been delivering letters to DEFRA, Environment Agency and Ofwat’s Bristol offices, calling on these key players to use their influence to ask the Government to bring water back into public ownership.
With an expected 36% rise in water bills over the next five years, public trust in water companies is at an all-time low. Yet, since privatisation of most water and sewage companies in 1989, investors have made £85.2bn.
The river Avon, running through the heart of Bristol, was the third most polluted river in 2023.
Wessex Water and South West Water, between them supplying almost 5 million customers in the South West, have discharged over 943,000 hours of raw sewage into our waterways. So, who is really gaining from the privatisation of water?
DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs), who set England’s water and sewage policy framework, the Environment Agency, who are responsible for advising the Government on the environment, and Ofwat, who protect customers’ interests and set prices, all have a responsibility to act on the unjust and clearly failing model of water privatisation.
Tanith, PhD Researcher at the University of Bristol and a volunteer for Green New Deal Rising, said:
“The pollution of our waterways is an issue that harms all of us, but only a few profit from it. We must bring water back into public ownership.”
Green New Deal Rising are proposing a 10-year plan to bring about the just transition needed in the face of the climate crisis.
Their vision is backed by 12 cross-party MPs who champion their demands to transform the economy, with a rapid decarbonisation that protects and restores nature while creating green jobs for all.
In line with these demands, this means an end to the privatisation of the water industry.
Clive Lewis, one of the champions, is presenting a Bill next month to progress public ownership of water.
Images courtesy of Will Airey