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Written question asked by Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Labour) on Tuesday, 19 March 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 March 2024. It was answered by Robbie Moore (Conservative) on Tuesday, 2 April 2024 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Southern Water: Infrastructure

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with Southern Water on updating its sewage infrastructure, in the context of recent sewage discharges into the River Test.

Answer

The Secretary of State has regular engagement with water companies to discuss a range of issues including measures to reduce sewage discharges, and improvements to water company infrastructure.

For example, in December 2023, he wrote to all water company Chief Executives, requesting that they improve sewer maintenance programmes over the next twelve months to help prevent storm overflow discharges.

Southern Water’s forward investment plan for sewage infrastructure, including planned improvements near the Test, is detailed in their draft business plan for the next Price Review period, which will run from 2025 - 2030. This is currently being reviewed by Ofwat. Ofwat’s determination will be issued later this year.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
19441
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Infrastructure Sewage Repairs and maintenance Southern Water River Test
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk