Southern Water questioned by MP's

Tuesday, 21 January 2025 11:49

MPs will question Southern Water executives about their proposals for significant rate increases and their history of water service disruptions.

Southern Water is seeking to hike rates by over 50% over the next five years to fund upgrades to their infrastructure and help stop sewage leaks.

Today - The Environment Committee is conducting an inquiry into potential reforms in the water sector.

Southern Water is seeking to increase its prices for several reasons. Primarily, the utility company aims to fund significant infrastructure improvements that they say are essential for upgrading aging water and sewage systems. They say this overhaul is not only necessary for maintaining service reliability and compliance with environmental regulations but also for adapting to the increasing challenges posed by climate change, such as more frequent extreme weather events that can strain resources and infrastructure.

Southern Water is planning to invest in advanced technology to enhance water treatment processes and reduce leakage rates, which are crucial for conserving water and ensuring sustainable supply amidst growing demand and diminishing natural water reserves. These investments are part of a broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency and improve customer service, responding to the increasing expectations of consumers for high standards of water quality and service reliability.

More from Local News

Chichester District Council thanks people for helping to shape its work on climate change

Chichester District Council is thanking those who participated in the ‘Let’s Talk: Climate Change’ survey.
Man charged with attempted murder following incident in Cootham, near Storrington

A 28-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after a suspected stabbing near Storrington.
Investigation continues into death of a man in Brighton

Police are continuing to investigate the death of a man at a property in Brighton on Thursday (16 January).
Consultation begins to gather people's views on new housing strategy for the Chichester District

Residents of the Chichester area are invited to provide their input on the district council's new five-year housing strategy.
Warning in the South of coastal landfill sites spilling into the sea

There are fresh calls for action to stop old landfill sites in the South opening up and spilling onto beaches and into the sea.
East Wittering set to welcome a free pop-up soup kitchen, thanks to UK Harvest

This initiative is designed to provide those in need with a nutritious meal, a warm space away from the cold, and a chance to forge new friendships.
Appeal after collision outside Haywards Heath hospital

An 80-year-old pedestrian has been seriously injured in a collision with a blue Honda Civic outside the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath.
Worthing fishing industry is getting a major boost.

The Borough Council has worked with the community of independent commercial fishermen to draw up plans to transform the town’s unutilised rotunda into a new facility where they can prepare and sell their fresh fish.
Horsham teenager who wished to carry out a ‘terror week’ jailed for six years

A teenage neo-Nazi from Horsham, who manipulated vulnerable girls into self-harm, has been sentenced to six years in prison.
Valentines Piano Concert to light up Chichester Cathedral

One of the world’s top pianists will perform at Chichester Cathedral on Valentine's night. Richard Uttley’s music will include Beethoven Sonatas, Gershwin’s Embraceable You, and many others—all performed in the flickering glow of hundreds of candles on stage at the Cathedral.