Matthew has welcomed the consultation published by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on limits to the discharge of storm overflows. The consultation marks a step change in the way water companies reduce the number of times raw sewage is released into rivers and water courses. Back in October 2021, Matthew was the only Conservative MP in London to vote against the Government during the passage of the Environment Bill and that action led to the publication of this consultation. https://www.matthewofford.co.uk/news/matthew-welcomes-action-sewage The consultation outlines how water companies are expected to achieve these targets, including mapping their sewer networks, reducing surface water connections and engaging in long-term collaborative planning. It also details how the Government will hold to account those companies who do not meet expectations, including a new monitoring and reporting framework as legislated for in the Environment Act which will significantly improve the ability of both Ofwat and the Environment Agency to take enforcement action where needed. The intention of the consultation is to: • eliminate the environmental impacts of 3,000 storm overflows (75%) affecting our most important protected sites by 2035; • reduce the number sewage discharges into bathing waters by 70% during the bathing season; • By 2040, approximately 160,000 discharges, on average, will have been eliminated (40% of the total); and by 2050, approximately 320,000 discharges, on average, will have been eliminated (80% of the total); • establish time-bound targets for water companies to achieve the complete elimination of ecological harm from storm overflows; • outline wider options to reduce the strain on our sewer system, such as mandatory sustainable drainage systems; and • revise guidance on applying for a new bathing water designation; • publish responses to a call for evidence on options to eliminate the use of wet wipes and ensure they are biodegradable where needed; • clarify how water companies will be expected to achieve these targets. Submissions to the consultation can be made here https://consult.defra.gov.uk/water-industry/storm-overflows-discharge-r… Matthew said: “This consultation has been a long-time coming and while it will not seek to address every issue of concern I have about water quality, it goes a long way to making huge improvements. I regularly receive correspondence from constituents on this issue and I am pleased to have played my part in the work of the Environmental Audit Select Committee through our inquiry, Water Quality in Rivers - published in January. https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/8460/documents/88412/defa… "I urge everyone to make their feelings known on the value of our rivers and waterways and ensure that this problem remains a priority for the Government”. Matthew is pictured (i) supporting Surfers Against Sewage and (ii) clearing household rubbish, including wet wipes, from the River Thames