Decision Maker: Cornwall Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: September 16, 2025

Purpose:

Content: 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.