Sweeping reforms to clean up the water industry and put an end to failing water companies being able to monitor themselves have been welcomed by Blackpool South MP Chris Webb.

The government’s Water White Paper proposals will create a new single water regulator with tough new powers, including a Chief Engineer to carry out hands-on checks of water infrastructure and stop pipes, pumps and treatment works that have been left to crumble.

It means that, for the first time, water companies will face mandatory ‘MOT-style’ checks on their assets, replacing a broken system that relied on self-reporting, and helping prevent the disruptive failures communities across the country have been forced to endure.

Blackpool South MP Chris Webb has welcomed propsals by the Government to tackle Britain's failing water companies | Third party

placeholder image — Blackpool South MP Chris Webb has welcomed propsals by the Government to tackle Britain's failing water companies | Third party

Such problem include the major disruption caused by a burst sewage pipe in Fleetwood in November.

The White Paper also introduces stronger inspection powers, including no-notice inspections, and a new Water Ombudsman with binding powers to ensure customers get fast, fair compensation when things go wrong.

Households will also benefit from wider smart meter roll-out and mandatory water-efficiency labels on appliances, helping families cut waste and save money on bills.

Mr Webb said: “After years of Conservative failure and weak regulation, water companies were allowed to mark their own homework while Blackpool has paid the price.

“Our coastline should be a source of pride and joy for us residents. Our beaches should be a symbol of community spirit, where families and visitors alike can gather, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty of the coastline.

“But under the leadership of the Conservatives, raw sewage has been pumped into Blackpool’s waters, turning a place of pride into a danger to our health and wellbeing.

“Our Labour government is doing things differently with tougher oversight, real accountability, and a system that puts people first.”

Labour and Reform UK have clashed over ways deal with the issue of failing water companies.

Reform UK pushes for a radical overhaul of water company ownership to prioritize British control and public interest, while the government's current plan seeks to reform the privatized system without changing its core structure.

Mr Webb criticised Reform’s “reckless plan to half-nationalise the industry”, saying it would mean higher bills, dirtier waterways and a £50 billion price tag. Working families can’t afford another gamble with their money.

The MP has been campaigning against the pollution of Blackpool sea water at the hands of United Utilities since his election, highlighting the impact of sewage discharges on the quality of bathing waters in Blackpool.

Pollution warnings were issued across Blackpool’s beaches for 59 days in 2024 without a single safe day to enter the sea in September that year. This meant for almost 40 per cent of Blackpool’s summer season, the sea was unsafe for locals and visitors to enjoy.

Environment Agency figures for 2025 are set to be released in March, and will reveal whether the situation improved in Blackpool last year.

Nationally, 2025 saw an overall improvement, with both the frequency and duration of storm overflow events reduced, but the classifications for bathing waters in Blackpool remained the same – ‘sufficient’ in Blackpool South and Central and ‘poor’ in Blackpool North.