The Water (Special Measures) Bill was debated in the House of Commons on Monday evening at second reading stage. There is general cross-party support for the Bill, and MPs expressed anger over pollution, investment, dividends and lots more. There was also quite a lot of criticism for Ofwat. You can read the debate here and watch the proceedings here.

The Bill has four key aims:

• block bonuses for water company executives “who pollute our waterways”
• bring criminal charges against “persistent law breakers”
• impose automatic and “severe” fines for wrongdoing
• enable independent monitoring of every sewer overflow outlet

The Public Bill Committee is now able to receive written evidence. You are strongly advised to submit your written evidence as soon as possible, as the Committee is expected to report by Thursday 16 January.