Severn Trent Water fine should be used for environmental investment

11.22.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 8th Apr 2008

Lib Dems have called for Severn Trent Water's £35.8m fine to be invested measures such as rainwater harvesting, water efficiency and sustainable drainage systems.

Commenting on Severn Trent Water's record £35.8m fine for supplying false data to industry regulator Ofwat and providing poor customer service, Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson, Martin Horwood MP said:

"Not only has Severn Trent Water failed to offer its customers a decent service, but it also tried to use deception to get out of a tricky situation.

"The company's deliberate misreporting on its performance and failure to provide decent customer service is unacceptable. It has not met its obligations to its customers, and so this fine is completely justifiable.

"Rather than lining the coffers of the treasury, this money should be used for environmental investment, such as rainwater harvesting, water efficiency measures and sustainable drainage systems.

"£36m spent on these could reduce both water usage and water bills for some of Severn Trent Water's least well-off customers."

Related Links:

Ofwat announcement of the proposed £35.8m fine.

Liberal Democrats on the Environment.