Speeches by Dyke.

“Does that give consumer confidence?”

“What about previous years following privatisation?”

“£1 billion was paid out in shareholder dividends in 2023-24. Could you just outline the link between performance and dividends? Do you foresee dividends decreasing following Ofwat’s new regulations?”

“We have outlined that the need for investment in our water infrastructure is clear. We have heard that 20p in the pound goes on water company debts, and 11p in the pound on dividends. The Consumer Council for Water’s survey indicated that about 40% of consumers in England and Wales would struggle to afford the increase…”

“Despite the large fines that you have incurred, there is still a significant number of spills taking place. There were 25,000 back in 2023. What improvements are needed to clear up the mess?”

“Southern Water was issued with £90 million of fines. What impact have those environmental fines had on the financial health of the business?”

“Will that help to prevent so much spillage?”

“To cope with higher rainfall and emergency situations, Southern Water had installed pipes for the pumping of diluted sewage near the River Test and a rare chalk stream. Following protests from residents, rightly, you said the plan was a mistake and it was cancelled. In 2021, the Crown court issued Southern Water with a…”

“Can you explain dry spills?”

“Yet dividends are still being paid out.”

“Does that give consumer confidence?”

“What about previous years following privatisation?”

“£1 billion was paid out in shareholder dividends in 2023-24. Could you just outline the link between performance and dividends? Do you foresee dividends decreasing following Ofwat’s new regulations?”

“We have outlined that the need for investment in our water infrastructure is clear. We have heard that 20p in the pound goes on water company debts, and 11p in the pound on dividends. The Consumer Council for Water’s survey indicated that about 40% of consumers in England and Wales would struggle to afford the increase…”

“I thank the hon. Gentleman for securing this important debate. I represent Glastonbury and Somerton, and part of my constituency lies on the Somerset levels and moors. Somerset is always at the forefront of flooding. In fact, 91% of Glastonbury and Somerton is agricultural land, so we depend on our farmers to store flo…”

“I thank the hon. Member for securing this important debate. I represent Glastonbury and Somerton, and a large part of the Somerset levels and moors is in my constituency. Somerset is always at the forefront of flooding, and many of my farmers are always battling flooding. Grants such as the slurry infrastructure grant …”

“You have mentioned the quality and availability of water. In Somerset, we have a huge problem with phosphates and housebuilding. About 18,000 homes have been caught up in a moratorium in the Ramsar catchment area. The Government are promising to reform nutrient neutrality and put nature at the heart of their building p…”

“Does anybody else want to come in on that? I am conscious that the Chair might want to move on.”

“Does anybody else want to come in on that? I am conscious that the Chair might want to move on.”

“You have mentioned the quality and availability of water. In Somerset, we have a huge problem with phosphates and housebuilding. About 18,000 homes have been caught up in a moratorium in the Ramsar catchment area. The Government are promising to reform nutrient neutrality and put nature at the heart of their building p…”