Southen Water: 'Spend money on paying for solutions, not fines'

As huge fines were handed out by industry regulator Ofwat, Southern Water customers were told to expect reduced water bills after the firm was rapped for missed targets on areas such as water supply interruptions, pollution incidents and internal sewer flooding.

In 2021, Southern Water was fined a record £90 million.

Concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of the fines as the firm continues to pump sewage into waters along the Sussex coast.

Dr Carolyn Cobbold, project leader for the Manhood Peninsula Partnership and a member of Bracklesham Bluetits swimming club, said one issue is that Southern Water, as a private company, answers to shareholders, not customers.

She said: “I would much rather they spent money on sorting out the problem. How will it make it any better? Would it not be better to put the money into something that improves the situation? It doesn’t help us moving forward.”

Dr Cobbold added that eyes should be on the government for a change to the system.

She added: “This is seriously impacting people’s lives at home. Southern Water is a private company whose main duty is to its shareholders and not its customers and that is how private companies operate.

"Much of the blame should be going to the government because they set the parameters on how water companies operate."