The GMB Trade Union, which represents over 10,000 workers in the water and wastewater industry, has said that water companies’ claims that plans to cap water bills will harm efforts to stop sewage leaks are ‘absolute balderdash’.
The Trade Union has also said that if they want investment, water companies must be fundamentally reformed.
This follows yesterday’s letter to Ofwat by Water UK, in which the industry trade association warned that capping bills could create a ‘material risk’ if the sector fails to raise enough cash to invest in stopping sewage leaks.
Gary Carter, GMB National Officer, said:
“Water companies have had the money, failed to invest in plugging leaks and preventing sewage spills and now want more money to do what they failed to do.
“It’s absolute balderdash and Ofwat must say enough is enough.
“If they want investment, water companies must be fundamentally reformed.
“They have failed bill payers and their employees who have faced increased assaults and abuse because of the tarnished reputations of their employers.
“It’s time the shareholders paid for the investment the water companies promised but hasn’t delivered. “
