Labour and Conservative MPs failed to back Liberal Democrat plans to protect customers from footing the bill for water company bailouts in a House of Commons vote this week.

Kingston and Surbiton MP, Ed Davey, and the Liberal Democrats proposed an amendment to the Water (Special Measures) Bill, which would protect consumers from having to bail out bankrupt water companies.

This amendment was rejected by the Conservatives and Labour. 

 On average, a third of bills are spent on debt, and the Party will continue to campaign for a fair deal for consumers.

 People are also facing eye-watering water bill rises. Bills for Thames Water customers are set to rise by £152 by 2029-30, an increase of 35%. 

 In response, Ed Davey, Liberal Democrat MP for Kingston and Surbiton, said: "We urgently need a fair deal that prioritises customers in Kingston and Surbiton above Thames Water.

"For too long they have been able to get away with financial mismanagement knowing hard-working people will be expected to pick up the tab."

 He continued: "I'm proud that the Liberal Democrats are taking the Government to task on the issue, and I hope the Government changes course and puts customers first.

 "We have already secured a single social tariff for vulnerable customers and will continue to fight for fair bills, an end to pollution and better services for customers."