South West Water slammed as execs rake in over £1 million in pay & perks this year

Exeter candidate Lib Dem Will Aczel calls on water firm to crack down on excessive pay

- Lib Dem is “shocked” at no mention of sewage crisis in King’s Speech
- Base pay and pension payouts for executives in England & Wales water industries rise to new high of £10 million

Local Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Will Aczel, has slammed “eye-watering payouts” as the party reveals South West Water paid their executives £1,118,000 in pay and perks last year. 

New analysis of Company House records has revealed the country’s water industry paid out a staggering £10 million in executive salaries last year, the highest on record.

South West Water has rewarded their two executives with a staggering £1,118,000 in base pay, bonuses and pensions. This is despite the firm pumping raw sewage into the River Exe and nearby beaches. South West Water has performed significantly below target for pollution incidents for the twelfth year running.

Since 2020, executives at the water firm have paid themselves £5,823,000 in pay and perks. 

The local Liberal Democrats have called for a ban on all CEO bonuses within the water industry, as well as the firms to be reformed as “public benefit companies”. The reforms would put an end to profit before the environment and ensure their boards include environmental experts.

Liberal Democrat candidate for Exeter, Will Aczel, said: 
“Our local waterways are being pumped full of raw disgusting sewage, all whilst the water firm hand themselves insulting pay-outs. The whole thing stinks. These salaries and perks have reached eye-watering levels, yet Conservative Ministers refuse to act. 

“I was shocked that there was literally no mention of sewage in the King’s Speech.

“It is time to rip up South West Water so it no longer puts profit before the environment. The firm is clearly not working how it should and is not listening to local concerns on sewage discharges. 

“This country’s water industry has become a gravy train where sewage and money flows freely. This is a scandal and happening on this government’s watch. 

“When will Conservative Ministers finally get tough on these polluting and profiteering firms? 

“These bonuses and perks need to be banned as long as the sewage scandal continues. Bonuses should be a reward for success, not committing environmental crimes.”