Falmouth Town Council no confidence in South West Water

At a special meeting on Monday evening, councillors backed a motion proposed by Cllr Dean Evans by eight votes to two, with one abstention.

The motion also commits the council to writing to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the chief executive of Ofwat, with copies to Cornwall Council leader Linda Taylor and Truro and Falmouth MP Jayne Kirkham, calling for action.

Cllr Evans told the meeting that Cornwall was being “confronted by sewage pollution”, pointing to rising bills and the impact on public health, tourism and the environment.

He cited figures from Surfers Against Sewage which found South West Water was responsible for 46,191 hours of sewage spills in 2025, including illegal discharges during dry weather.

“These figures underline how private water companies have been allowed to profit at the public’s expense,” he said, adding that infrastructure had been left to “crumble into disrepair”.

Cllr Evans argued the current system was “broken” and called on the government to take steps towards returning South West Water to public management, suggesting alternative models such as mutual or not-for-profit ownership.

He acknowledged planned investment in Falmouth but said it was a response to pressure rather than evidence the system was working.

“If this investment is needed now, then it was needed before,” he said.

During the debate, several councillors raised concerns about the scope of the motion and the council’s role.

Cllr Debra Clegg said she agreed with the “sentiments” but could not support the proposal, pointing to around £22m of investment planned by South West Water in Falmouth, including works to separate surface water and increase storm storage.

“Because what we’ve done so far has worked and we’ve had this money… I can’t support this motion,” she said.

Cllr Alan Rowe also opposed the motion, saying that while sewage pollution was a serious issue, nationalisation was beyond the remit of a town council.

“We are Falmouth Town Council. We have no say in nationalising water industries,” he said.

Others backed the move, arguing the council had a duty to lobby on behalf of residents.

Cllr Liam Howes said: “If no one is lighting a fire under the government, nothing is going to happen. That’s what our role is: to lobby.”

Cllr Alfie Munden added that Falmouth should show leadership across Cornwall, warning that a system reliant on local pressure to secure investment “doesn’t work”.

An amendment proposed by Cllr Jackie Walkden was accepted, adding wording recognising recent investment in Falmouth “notwithstanding the work that’s happening… which is appreciated, but comes after many years of pollution”.

Supporting the motion, Cllr Samuel Carmichael said that while investment was welcome, it followed “years and years of pressure” and did not address ongoing discharges elsewhere in the region.

Following the vote, the amended motion was carried, eight for and two against with one abstention.