Ben Maguire MP's Newsletter

What has Ben been working on recently? Find out below!

In order to keep you updated on my progress as your MP, I write a weekly newsletter about my work. I'll be adding every edition to this space right here, usually on a Friday, so make sure to check back every week to see my latest progress.

Newsletter 10/01/2025 | South West Water CEO must resign!

The biggest update from this week has undoubtedly been my call for the Chief Exec of South West Water, Susan Davy, to step down. In a letter co-signed by MPs from both the Lib Dems and Labour Party (while no Conservatives agreed to sign), we made it clear that the current leadership at South West Water has failed our region. Over 530,000 hours of sewage dumping were recorded in the South West last year, an 83% increase on the previous year. Here in North Cornwall specifically, where we pride ourselves on stunning blue flag beaches, there were spills that damaged our local businesses, our families’ quality of life, and our precious environment that I know many cherish dearly. It has come to the point where enough is simply enough, and Susan Davy must go.

Despite repeated calls for new infrastructure to tackle this crisis head-on, South West Water has instead spent its time acquiring other companies, while simultaneously seeing a 10% rise in their revenue (£908 million last financial year), and also hiking up customer bills. Susan Davy even increased her total compensation by over £300,000 to £860,000 a year - despite ‘declining’ a formal bonus. It’s increasingly clear the company has prioritised profits over the vital investment needed in storm overflows and time and time again, and our message to South West Water is loud and unambiguous: we have reached our limit.

The people of North Cornwall, and indeed the whole of the South West, cannot keep tolerating a system that pollutes our beaches and rivers while charges soar. For nearly a decade, first as Chief Financial Officer and now as Chief Executive Officer, Ms Davy has presided over environmental neglect, skyrocketing bills, and inadequate solutions to sewage dumping. It is time for her to step aside so fresh leadership can finally tackle the scandal of sewage discharge.

Outside of this issue, I also raised an important resilience measure in Parliament on behalf of one of my constituents, after concerns of how Storm Darragh battered our rural communities. I proposed mandating battery back-ups on all mobile phone masts, both existing and newly installed, to maintain vital communication services during power outages. For rural areas like ours, being able to call for help or keep in touch with loved ones during a major storm (or flooding event like we saw in Boscastle in 2004) can literally save lives. I’ll keep pressing Ministers on this until we see genuine progress.

Meanwhile, I also held a surgery and meetings in Bodmin this week, where I met local residents and campaigners including parents advocating for ‘Ryan’s Law’. They propose a change that would widen the definition of death by dangerous driving to include failing to stop, call 999, and give first aid. Their story is one of deep emotion, and I will be proud to continue championing their campaign in Parliament going forward.

Finally, Cornwall Council’s plan to remove 28 car parks from its management has sparked significant concern. Many worry about effects on local businesses and accessibility, especially in our smaller towns. I encouraged my constituents to submit their feedback on this issue before the closing deadline if the consultation, to have their say on access to high streets, our visitor economy, and daily convenience

If you need help with an issue, or would like to get in touch, please contact me at ben.maguire.mp@parliament.uk or physically write to my office in the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA. Until then, take care.

- Ben Maguire MP 〓〓

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