Supersewer could add £40 to Londoner's water bills

10.00.00am GMT Thu 22nd Mar 2007

This week the Government announced its support for a £2bn Thames sewage tunnel. Mike Tuffrey, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group and Environment Spokesman at the London Assembly, welcomed the decision as long over due:

"The UK is already in breach of EU law because of Government dithering and there are real question marks as to whether the waterways around the Olympic park will be sewage free by 2012. Although there is light at the end of the tunnel for London's supersewer, I am shocked that having dragged their feet for 7 years, DEFRA have still not reached a decision on who is going to pay and when the building will commence."

He also expressed concern about the likely impact on consumers - with water rates estimated to rise by around £40 a year: " But whatever the end decision, London water bill payers cannot be expected to foot the £2bn bill. The project should instead be paid for primarily from the massive profits made by the water companies and subsidised by central government."

From the London Assembly Mike Tuffrey, and at a European level Sarah Ludford MEP have worked together to put the maximum pressure on government to make this decision. This joint working will continue to try and ensure it's not Londoners, but the water companies and government who pick up the bill for this vital part of London's future infrastructure.