Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with utility companies on investing their profits into sewage spill prevention and improving infrastructure.

The Secretary of State regularly meets with stakeholders including water companies to discuss a range of issues.

£104 billion is being invested to upgrade crumbling pipes and sewage treatment works across the country. This includes over £10 billion to improve over 2,500 storm overflows across England.

As part of the price review process, Ofwat agrees spending plans with water companies and sets stretching targets. This process includes how much water companies can charge customers and how much they can spend on dividends and interest payments.

Funding for infrastructure investment is ringfenced and can only be spent on upgrades benefiting customers and the environment. When money for investment is not spent, water companies are required to refund customers via lower water bills. Money will never be allowed to be diverted for bonuses, dividends or salary increases.