The Government is today launching its consultation on the Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan, which proposes transformational changes to our sewage system, ensuring a significant reduction in the use of storm overflows.

Witney MP Robert Courts has questioned whether Thames Water's expansion plans at the town's sewage treatment works will be sufficient to tackle repeated sewage spills.

Robert has welcomed Defra's publication of its Strategic Policy Statement (SPS) which sets out the Government’s priorities for Ofwat’s regulation of the water industry in England.

Thames Water's CEO, Sarah Bentley, has responded to Robert's recent letter about sewage spills which took place over the Christmas period in Witney.

Robert said: "I am deeply concerned at reports that Thames Water has been routinely releasing sewage from Witney Sewage Treatment Works over the last couple of weeks when we have not experienced any heavy rainfall.

Robert has written to the Chief Executive of Thames Water, Sarah Bentley, to demand full details of how the company will ensure compliance with the new legal duties introduced by the Environment Act.

Robert has welcomed the news that the Environment Agency (EA) and Ofwat have launched a major investigation into sewage treatment works, after new government-imposed checks led to water companies admitting that they could be releasing unpermitted sewage discharges into rivers and watercourses.

As the seasons change and we head into flooding season, Robert is joining with West Oxfordshire District Council to encourage residents to prepare their homes and businesses for flooding over the winter months. 

Later on this evening, Members of Parliament will vote on amendments to the Environment Bill.

The Government has announced that a new amendment will be tabled to the Environment Bill, enshrining in law a duty on water companies to secure a progressive reduction in the adverse impacts of discharges from storm overflows.