Charlotte Cane MP demands bosses’ bonus ban for Anglian Water following new Ofwat report

Charlotte Cane, Liberal Democrat MP for Ely & East Cambridgeshire, has called for an immediate ban on executive bonuses at Anglian Water after it was announced (on 8th October) that the company would have to pay back £38.1m due to poor performance.

It comes as the new government’s Water Bill is set to be debated in Parliament. The Liberal Democrats have said the bill is only a “half-measure” and will table an amendment that would enforce an immediate ban on water company bosses’ bonuses.

The Liberal Democrats have previously revealed that there were 836 sewage spills in (what was formerly known as) South East Cambridgeshire last year. This is the most recent data available and uses the old constituency boundaries. 

Local MP, Charlotte Cane said that the steps by the regulator announced today needed to be a “watershed” moment for Anglian Water and that it was “high time” action was taken on these polluting firms.

Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Ely & East Cambridgeshire Charlotte Cane said: 

“For far too long, the Conservatives have allowed water companies to neglect the needs of our community in Ely and East Cambridgeshire, letting them discharge raw sewage into our precious waterways while their executives pocket enormous bonuses.

“That must come to an end. It is unacceptable that these individuals are rewarded for their failures to protect our local environment while simultaneously burdening our residents with rising bills.

“Regrettably, the new government’s bill represents only a half-hearted effort and falls significantly short of what is needed to hold these polluters accountable.

“That’s why I am proud to support the Lib Dem amendment to this bill, which would ban water company bosses' bonuses until leaks are fixed and sewage spills end. Only then can we secure a fair deal for the people of Ely and East Cambridgeshire.”