In response to news that Thames Water could charge the average household an additional £65 on their water bill to pay for the Supersewer, Green Party London Assembly Member, Darren Johnson, said:
"The super sewer is a vital piece of infrastructure to prevent the discharge of raw sewage into the Thames. At least fifty times each year raw sewage is pumped directly into the Thames leading to low oxygen levels and fish death. However, I am concerned at the impact that an additional £65 charge could have on low income groups and I urge Thames Water and Ofwat to look at ways to protect them from this significant charge."
Editors’ Notes:
Darren has previously supported the concept of Using ‘Rising block tarrifs’ which charge increasing tariffs for higher levels of consumption (ie swimming pools) with subsidised prices for ‘essential use’. The top tariff block targets luxury consumption, lower block provides an element of subsidy and protects low income households.