Lib Dems slam Labour and Tories for rejecting water bailout protection for customers

The Liberal Democrats have said that Labour and Conservative MPs “failed” to back their plans to protect customers from footing the bill for water company bailouts in a House of Commons vote this week.

The Liberal Democrat MP for North Devon has “slammed” the missed opportunity to stop customers from being burdened with the costs of what he describes as “water company failures.”

The amendment, proposed by the Lib Dems, would have protected consumers from having to bail out bankrupt water companies, had it been approved.

However, it was rejected by both the Conservatives and Labour.

The Lib Dems stated that, on average, a third of customers’ bills are spent on debt, and the party has vowed to continue campaigning for what they believe will be a “fair deal for consumers.”

The party also pointed out that bills for South West Water customers are set to rise by £113 by 2029–2030, a 23 per cent increase, which they have described as “eye-watering.”

Ian Roome, the MP for North Devon, stated: “We urgently need a fair deal that prioritises customers in North Devon above South West Water. For too long, they have been allowed to get away with financial mismanagement, knowing that hard-working people will be expected to pick up the tab.

“I’m proud that the Liberal Democrats are holding the Government to account on this issue, and I hope the Government changes course and puts customers first.

“We have already secured a single social tariff for vulnerable customers and will continue to fight for fair bills, an end to pollution, and better services for customers.”