Labour and Conservative MPs failed to back Liberal Democrat plans to protect customers from footing the bill for water company bailouts in a House of Commons vote this week.

Helen Maguire MP and the Liberal Democrats proposed an amendment to the Water (Special Measures) Bill which would protect consumers from having to bail out bankrupt water companies. This amendment was rejected by the Conservatives and Labour. 

On average, a third of bills are spent on debt, and the Party will continue to campaign for a fair deal for consumers.

People are also facing eye-watering water bill rises. Bills for Thames Water customers are set to rise by £157 by 2029-20, an increase of 35%.

Commenting, Helen Maguire, Liberal Democrat MP for Epsom & Ewell, said:

“We urgently need a fair deal that prioritises customers in Epsom & Ewell above Thames Water. For too long they have been able to get away with serious financial mismanagement in the knowledge that hard-working people will be expected to just pick up the tab.”

“I’m proud that the Liberal Democrats are taking the Government to task on this issue, and I urge the Government to change its course and finally put customers first.”

“We have already secured a single social tariff for vulnerable customers and I will continue to fight for fair bills, an end to pollution in the River Mole and Hogsmill, as well as better services for customers in Epsom & Ewell.”

Keep up to date by following my social media.