The Environment Agency will shortly be releasing the number of sewage discharges made by water companies in 2021. Over 90% of sewage outflows pump sewage directly into local rivers which flow into the sea. This means that our rivers need the same protection as the ocean as they are one of the primary sources polluting downstream. 

Matthew has - once again - met with Surfers Against Sewage and one issue that was discussed was a petition calling for an increase in the number of river bathing locations to be given the same protection as those on the coast. At present there are 600 bathing locations that receive environmental protection but just ONE is on a river - the River Wharf at Ilkley in Yorkshire. 

Many people do not have easy access to coastal areas, so they swim in rivers as a recreational activity. Increasing the number of inland bathing sites would contribute to the Government's Levelling Up agenda as it would make rivers healthier, more attractive places to swim and would encourage people to do so. 

Last March, Matthew voted against the Government on measures contained in the Environment Bill because he felt the legislation should be stronger on this issue. This has now been addressed in the Storm Overflow Discharge Plan with targets which require water companies to spend £56bn over 25 years on improving their infrastructure. In the next decade, all storm overflows that are discharging into or near designated bathing water locations will have to reduce sewage outputs and there must be improvements to three-quarters of overflows discharging into high-priority nature sites. By 2050, all remaining storm overflows will have to comply with the same.

Matthew said: "While I welcome the Storm Overflow Discharge Plan, I want it to be implemented quicker. These actions should have occurred in the last forty years and while the water industry knows what needs to be done, it could and should happen quicker. Nationalising water companies will not achieve these aims. I am therefore supportive of the government's plans to ensure that dividends are not paid to investors if environmental targets are not achieved. Profits should only be released to investors if the work is carried out on behalf of monopoly companies."

You can sign the petition to increase the number of inland bathing water locations here: https://www.sas.org.uk/bathingriverspetition/