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New powers could see water company bosses face prison for pollution as Anglian Water announces £884m investment plan for Suffolk and Essex

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Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Water company executives who allow sewage pollution could face prison sentences under new legislation introduced to Parliament, announced on the same day Anglian Water received approval for its £884m investment plan for Suffolk and Essex.

Why it matters: The dual announcements come as statistics show Suffolk experienced a 97% increase in sewage dumps between 2022 and 2023, with duration increasing by 247% to 26,650 hours across the county's eight constituencies.

The big picture: The Water (Special Measures) Bill would give regulators new powers to:

  • Ban bonus payments to water company executives who fail to meet environmental standards

  • Impose automatic fines for pollution incidents

  • Bring criminal charges against water company bosses

  • Require real-time monitoring and reporting of all sewage discharges within one hour

Picture of an Anglian Water van
Water company executives who allow sewage pollution could face prison sentences under new legislationAnglian Water

Meanwhile: Anglian Water's newly approved £11bn five-year investment plan includes:

  • £110m for environmental improvements to local watercourses

  • £33m to prevent storm overflow spills

  • Upgrades to water recycling centres to handle population growth

  • Infrastructure improvements to tackle flooding and maintain water supply

What they're saying: Mark Thurston, CEO of Anglian Water, said the investment programme would "create thousands of skilled, well-paid jobs in the region" while delivering "one of the lowest bill rises for customers in the UK."

Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich, said: "Raw toxic sewage is being pumped into Suffolk's rivers and sea at a disgusting rate. A nearly 250% increase in sewage dumps between 2022 and 2023 in our county is, by any measure, wholly unacceptable."

By the numbers:

  • £884m: Total investment planned for Suffolk and Essex

  • 97%: Increase in sewage dumps in Suffolk (2022-2023)

  • 26,650: Hours of sewage discharge in Suffolk during 2023

  • 700,000: Expected population growth in East of England over next 20 years

Bottom line: While Anglian Water outlines significant investment in local infrastructure, the new legislation signals a broader crackdown on water industry pollution, with executives potentially facing criminal penalties for environmental failures.

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Double victory for St Joseph's as young debaters shine

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St Joseph's College students demonstrated exceptional public speaking prowess, claiming victory in both intermediate and senior categories at a prestigious local debate competition.

Why it matters: The double win at the Ipswich East Rotary Club 'Youth Speaks' competition secures both teams places in the Norwich debating chamber finals next month, showcasing local talent on a regional stage.

The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevant
The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevantSt Joseph's College

The details:

  • The college hosted the competition on Wednesday, 29 January 2025.

  • The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human society.

  • The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevant.

What they're saying: "Working with these students and developing their oracy and public speaking skills through debating is such a joy!" said Dr Briege Rice, Stretch and Challenge Coordinator and History and Politics teacher at St Joseph's College.

"These skills are vital in every field, fostering confidence, clear communication and critical thinking. The standard of debating was very high, and we are very proud of this extraordinary achievement of our students," she added.

The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human society
The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human societySt Joseph's College

The bottom line: The competition, supported by the Rotary Club, continues to foster key communication skills amongst young people through its Youth Speaks initiative, with St Joseph's teams now preparing to showcase their talents in February's finals.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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