Agenda item

To consider the Motion from Cllrs Robert MacNaughton and Ashley O’Neill.

On the invitation of the Chairman, Cllr Robert MacNaughton, proposed the motion as set out in the agenda, which was seconded by Cllr Ashley O’Neill.

Cllr MacNaughton stated that he felt very strongly that human waste needed to be taken out of Wiltshire’s rivers. He explained that lots of people he met shared his deep concern about the state of rivers and the natural environment, including local MPs. He referenced public reporting stating that 84 percent of Britain’s rivers were in poor health. He noted that Calne had held its first river festival in 2021, for the River Marden, and a well-attended river blessing in 2023, so there was widespread support for improving river quality. He then spoke about the importance of Wiltshire Council working constructively with water companies to understand what they were going to do to reduce the amount of sewage in Wiltshire’s rivers.

Cllr Dominic Muns, the Cabinet Member for Waste and Environment, responded and spoke in support of the motion.

The Chairman then moved that Council debate the motion, which was seconded by the Vice-Chairman and agreed by Council.

Group Leaders were then invited to comment on the motion.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of the Council, welcomed the motion, which he felt would send a strong message to water companies about the need to meet their legislative responsibilities. He explained that Natural England and European Union policy had put too much onus on new housing developments to address nutrient issues in rivers. He felt that there had also been a long-term underinvestment in infrastructure.

Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, praised Cllr MacNaughton and those that had worked alongside him for drafting the motion. Cllr Thorn then shared his experiences of attending river blessings with Cllr MacNaughton and outlined some of his concerns about the natural environment.

The Chairman then opened the motion to wider debate.

There were many comments made in general support of the motion. The need to have constructive dialogue with water companies was stressed, especially given well reported concerns about regulation, investment in infrastructure, and setting the right level of bills for consumers. One member noted that they had spoken to Wessex Water in advance of the meeting and that they had stated that they welcomed the opportunity to work with Wiltshire Council. Another suggestion was for an overarching water policy for the county that included upgrading septic tanks and measures in the draft Local Plan to reduce water consumption in new homes.

The impact the rivers could have on public health and safety was also raised, especially during times of flooding. It was reported that water companies attended the two Operational Flood Working groups in Wiltshire and held productive discussions about issues such as storm overflow into rivers. It was suggested that the Wessex Rivers Trust charity could also be invited to meetings. There was also praise for the cross-party way in which the motion had been prepared.  

At the conclusion of the debate, the Cabinet Member, Cllr Muns, then had the opportunity to comment.

Cllr MacNaughton, as mover of the motion, thanked his fellow councillors for working on a cross-party basis and for their supportive comments.

It was then,

Resolved

1)    Council is disappointed by the water industry’s failure to prevent sewage being discharged into Wiltshire's Rivers. We call on water companies operating in Wiltshire; Wessex Water, Thames Water, and Southern Water to make the required investment to protect our Rivers as a priority.

2)    Council requests a meeting with executives of Wessex Water, Thames Water and Southern Water to receive greater clarity on future investment in the overdue upgrades to our sewage systems in Wiltshire.

3)    Council calls on Wessex Water, Thames Water and Southern Water to join the Council in engaging with the government and Oftwat to discuss how the burden of the necessary investment in Wiltshire is addressed.

In accordance with the Constitution there was a recorded vote.

Votes for the motion (60)

Votes against the motion (0)

Votes in abstention (0)

Details of the recorded vote are attached to these minutes.