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It was moved by Councillor
Gripper, seconded by Councillor Candy and
 
RESOLVED
that
 
(i)
Council believes Cornwall’s natural environment is a precious
asset which requires protection for future generations.
 
(ii) Council shares public
concern about sewage pollution affecting Cornwall’s rivers
and beaches. Council believes the sewage crisis is a national
scandal. It is unacceptable that Water Companies continue to pay
their executives millions of pounds in pay, pensions and bonuses
while polluting continues.
 
(iii) Council recognises the
scale of the challenge ahead in tackling this issue. Council notes
that increased rainfall due to climate change, and government
house-building targets will place additional pressure on water
infrastructure. Council looks forward to working constructively
with South West Water’s new CEO when appointed.
 
(iv) Council
therefore:

Instructs the Leader
of the Council to write to the new Chief Executive of South
West Water to establish urgent commitments and timescales to
improve infrastructure and reduce sewage discharges
in Cornwall.
Ensures that South
West Water are engaged in work on the Cornwall Local Plan to ensure
that future housing development will have the necessary
infrastructure.
Instructs the Leader
of the Council to convene a water summit bringing together South
West Water, environmental charities and community campaigners to
work together to improve water quality across Cornwall.
Instructs the Leader
of the Council to appoint a Water Quality champion from among the
membership of this Council. 

(v) we ask the legal team to investigate all legal avenues that we
can take as an authority to hold South West Water to
account.
 
(vi) we lobby Government to
change the bathing season to all year round.