Turning the tide on polluters

After 14 years of Conservative failure on sewage, Labour is cleaning up the mess and reforming our water system to work better for customers and communities.

In Wakefield and Rothwell, the Calder and Aire are among the most polluted rivers in the country. Over the past decade, the problem has worsened while water companies have failed to act. Despite this, our bills have gone up and water company bosses have continued to take home huge bonuses.

Labour is changing that. We are delivering root and branch reform of the water sector to stop the flow of sewage into our rivers and make sure the system works for the people it serves.

Labour will cut sewage pollution in half by 2030.

This Labour Government is committed to making our rivers the cleanest they have been since records began. Over the past year, we have already taken major steps:

Secured £104 billion in private investment to upgrade ageing pipes and build new sewage treatment works

Ringfenced customer bills to ensure money is spent on improvements

Directed over £100 million in water fines to local clean-up projects

Banned bonuses for six water companies that failed to act on sewage

With clear targets in place, we can now move faster to modernise our water system, stop sewage dumping, and clean up our rivers, lakes and beaches.

A New, Stronger Regulator

We are abolishing Ofwat and creating a single, powerful regulator to cut pollution and protect families from unfair bill increases. This new body will oversee the entire water system—ending the confusion caused by four separate regulators and delivering the biggest overhaul since privatisation.

A New Water Ombudsman

We are also introducing a Water Ombudsman with legal powers to resolve disputes and support customers. This will provide a single, free point of contact for issues like leaks, billing errors or supply problems—bringing water services in line with other utilities like energy.

Labour is putting customers back at the heart of our water system, delivering a fairer, more efficient service for everyone.

The tide is turning. With the biggest reforms since privatisation and clear targets to reduce sewage, Labour is proving it is on the side of customers.