A NEW Labour MP has met with the secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs to raise concerns about illegal sewage dumping.

Tom Hayes, MP for Bournemouth East, met with Steve Reed MP to discuss initial steps towards ending the crisis in the water sector.

He raised concerns over the need for water companies to be answerable for their performance for customers and the environment.

The new government has committed to ensuring that funds are ringfenced for infrastructure upgrades, with Ofwat ensuring that money not spent will be refunded to customers.

It will also give customers the opportunity to hold water company bosses to account through customer panels.

Protection and compensation will also be strengthened for households and businesses when water services are affected.

Tom Hayes MP said: “It was great to bring Steve Reed to Bournemouth twice before election day and meet with him now that he is Secretary of State.

“Steve couldn’t have been clearer about his concern for our environment.

“I will work alongside the Government to ensure we never look the other way and clean up the water industry.

“I am committed to cutting sewage pollution, protecting customers and attracting investment to upgrade the crumbling infrastructure.

“These changes will take time, but I’m delighted that work is getting underway quickly.”