Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

James

Destiny Calling

Listen Live

Harrogate MP says £47 million fine proves Yorkshire Water is 'broken'

Wednesday, 7 August 2024 14:53

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has spoken after Yorkshire Water's £47m fine.

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.”

More from Local News

Fairground rides return to Valley Gardens for half term

A number of fairground rides are setting up at Harrogate’s Valley Gardens in time for half term.
Six teenage boys arrested after 'violent incident' in Harrogate

Six teenage boys have been arrested following a 'violent incident' in Harrogate as police urge parents to keep tabs on their children during the half-term break.
Your Skipton and Your Ilkley to launch on DAB next week

Your Skipton and Your Ilkley will launch on DAB digital radio for the first time next week.
Police appeal after hit-and-run on Knaresborough High Street

Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage following a hit-and-run collision on the High Street at Knaresborough.
Harrogate Town announce signing of Chesterfield midfielder

Harrogate Town have announced their first signing of the transfer window with the arrival of Chesterfield midfielder Bailey Hobson on a permanent contract.
Free Fuel Friday: Another winner scoops free tank of fuel

Yet another Harrogate resident has won a full tank of fuel as part of our 'Free Fuel Friday' competition.
Smiley/sad face speed signs set to remain banned in North Yorkshire

Road signs which display a driver’s speed alongside a smiley or sad face could continue to be banned from North Yorkshire’s roads despite pleas from communities to allow their use.
Harrogate primary school takes climate education to national stage

A Harrogate primary school has taken its climate education work to the national stage after speaking at a major Westminster policy conference.
Historic village pub enjoys successful reopening under new ownership

A historic village pub near Boroughbridge has reopened following a major refurbishment and a change in ownership.
Masham primary school unveils newly refurbished library

Masham CE Primary School has officially opened of its newly refurbished library.
No motorists turned away from Harrogate waste centres due to rule change

No motorists have been turned away from North Yorkshire’s household waste centres following the introduction of a rule change, councillors have been told amid ongoing fears about fly-tipping.
RHS Harlow Carr to host Summer Garden Weekend

Gardeners and plant lovers are being invited to RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate for its Summer Garden Weekend next month.
First look inside Furlong and Furrow ahead of reopening

New photos have revealed the transformed interiors of Furlong and Furrow near Ripon ahead of its reopening tomorrow (Friday).
Harrogate man and colleagues tackle Three Peaks in memory of his mum

A Harrogate man is taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in memory of his mum after she sadly lost her battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis last year.
Harrogate care organisation raises £500 at Nidderdale Walk

Carefound Home Care in Harrogate has raised £515 for Harrogate and District Community Action (HADCA) after completing the Nidderdale Charity Walk & Run.
Mayor urged to "come to the table" to discuss road repair funding

North Yorkshire councillors have urged the region’s mayor to "come to the table" to discuss their authority's allocation of road repair funding.
Monthly IT support clinic for elderly people launched in Harrogate

A new monthly IT support clinic aimed at helping elderly and vulnerable people with technology issues is launching in Harrogate next month.
Harrogate College celebrates milestone as new campus takes shape

Harrogate College has marked a significant milestone in the development of its new £22m campus with a steel-signing ceremony.
Children are taking over the Leeds station tannoy this weekend – here's why

Visitors to Leeds train station will notice something a little different this weekend, as children from Martin House Children's Hospice take over the tannoy.
Vernon Kay joins lineup for Harrogate's Symphonic Ibiza event

Vernon Kay has been announced as a major new addition to the lineup for this summer's Symphonic Ibiza event at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate.