Member

I hope I have set out a clear case in favour of this amendment, but, if I may pre-empt the Government, Ministers may argue that this is too aggressive and abrupt a reform. If they argue that my amendment is too abrupt for those companies that may need time to reduce the level of debt they are currently operating with, we on these Benches are open to discussion. That said, we are keen to strengthen the rules on borrowing by water companies to protect their long-term future and prioritise investment in infrastructure and environmental improvements. It cannot be right that water companies’ decisions to take on excessive debt, to the benefit of parent companies or other bodies, is threatening outcomes for both consumers and the environment. I hope the Minister will listen to our concerns and put consumers and the environment first.