Liz Jarvis MP calls for public ownership of water firms

Eastleigh MP, Liz Jarvis, has responded to reports that Andy Burnham plans to announce a 10-year water plan featuring nine new regional bodies to oversee water companies.

Ms Jarvis said: "After a summer of hosepipe bans and sewage pouring into the River Itchen and the River Test, Andy Burnham's big idea is more politicians sat on boards.

“Water companies shouldn't be controlled by mayors, they should be owned by the people who actually use them.”

"The only real fix is moving water into mutual ownership, run by and for bill payers.

"Nine new regional bodies won't stop a single spill.

"That's the change we need to protect our waterways and customers."