The MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough has said the £47million fine levied at Yorkshire Water is proof that the water industry is "broken."
Yorkshire Water has been fined the staggering amount for discharging untreated sewage into rivers.
And Lib Dem MP Tom Gordon has said it is "proof the water industry in its current form is utterly broken."
The water regulator Ofwat announced the fines against Yorkshire Water, Northumbrian Water and Thames Water on the Tuesday (6th August) for severe mismanagement of wastewater treatment works, including storm overflows.
These are only intended to be used in exceptional circumstances, but Ofwat’s investigation found that they were being overused.
The investigation also found that the companies had failed to properly maintain and upgrade their infrastructure at these treatment works, which contributed to the issues for which they were fined.
Mr Gordon said:
“This fine is the consequences of what we already knew: Yorkshire Water is failing to fulfil its obligations to its customers and our environment.
"It is a damning indictment on the state of our rivers, a direct result of the neglect that Yorkshire Water has subjected them to.
"It is very welcome to see the regulator finally taking action."
He added:
"This is proof that Yorkshire Water is broken. Now we need more and further action from the government.
"The previous Conservative government did not take the action against water companies such as Yorkshire Water that is so desperately needed.
“Whilst the £47million fine is symbolic, its imposition shows many of the flaws in our system.
"Ofwat should not be approving plans allowing water companies to hike bills on consumers whilst Yorkshire Water and others continue to fail to deliver.
"We need to see an end to bonuses and shareholder payouts.”
Harrogate-based Sporting Influence Foundation to tackle 24 climbs in 24 hours
Giant vegetables take centre stage at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment
Roadworks causing growing disruption in Harrogate and Knaresborough, officials admit
Yorkshire artist brings Harrogate's Old Market Hall back to life
Martin House hosts first children's palliative care conference
Judge appointed to lead inquiry into North Yorkshire mental health trust
Harrogate group raise more than £40,000 with cycle to Bordeaux
Scotton pub wins Tripadvisor award for seventh year running
Almost 2,000 people sign Knaresborough landslip petition
Police appeal after Range Rover damaged in Knaresborough
St Aidan's teacher recognised at national Teacher of the Year Awards
Bramham Park to host its first Christmas market
Harvest gown unveiled for flower show's 50th anniversary
Ripon's Mario's Restaurant named among Tripadvisor's top 10%
Harrogate Rugby Club reveals plans for clubhouse expansion and padel courts
Police appeal after Lister House minibus vandalised in Ripon
Council urged to "show me the money" and provide evidence of home-to-school policy change savings
Kate Mosse and Prue Leith among stars of Harrogate Literature Festival
Ripon among UK's top cities for missing parcels
