
Times letters: Regulation and funding of water companies
Sir, I am left unsure what will change in the water industry after the publication of the report by Sir Jon Cunliffe and the response by the government (news, Jul 21 & 22). One regulator is to be replaced by another and water bills will rise by an average of 36 per cent over the next five years, which means that the public will in effect pay a second time for any improvements that should have been made by now, had water companies spent more investing in infrastructure instead of lining executive and shareholder pockets. As to the claim by Steve Reed, the environment secretary, that sewage pollution in England will be halved by 2030, please forgive my scepticism.Ashley TiffenAspatria, Cumbria
Sir, Your editorial ('Water Torture', Jul 21) rightly castigates the regulatory system as well as the operating companies. You say that regulatory responsibilities are split between three bodies: Ofwat, the Environment Agency and the Drinking Water Inspectorate. But even this is an understatement. Natural England also has some responsibilities, although how these fit with those of the EA is anyone's guess. And to complete the chaos there is also the Consumer Council for Water, which supposedly exists to look after consumers' interests. A single regulator with appropriate powers will be welcome, even if its creation is more than 30 years late.Roger GaneLondon SE21
Sir, Feargal Sharkey says corporate greed is at the heart of the water scandal (Jul 22). I disagree: it is the broken tax system that creates the incentive for financial engineering. As long as there is an imbalance between the tax treatment of debt and equity, financiers will continue to load up low-risk enterprises with debt to generate higher returns to their investors, all at the expense of taxpayers.Alec KokinisSheffield
Sir, May I dare to express a little sympathy for the water companies? The unfettered concreting over and tarring of front gardens, and seemingly endless acres of further urbanisation and development, have led to flash flooding and the overwhelming of sewage facilities. Local authorities should have separate drainage for surface water.Lessel RennieKintore, Aberdeenshire
Sir, The Thames Tideway project to upgrade waste-water treatment systems in London to enable them to cope with storm-water surges was completed in May. It has effectively eliminated the problem of unwanted releases into the Thames. The question now is: when will this technology be introduced in the rest of the UK?Dale FittesChartered engineer, Warwick
Sir, If every new house was required to have a large rainwater tank the amount of drinking water needed could be substantially reduced. Rainwater could then be used to flush toilets, wash cars and water gardens.Joan FreelandBristol
Sir, In 1955, when I was 12, my mother and I had a holiday at Hove and were surprised, while swimming in the sea, to find ourselves surrounded by lavatory paper. Plus ça change.Bridget WillettLondon SW19
Sir, William Hague ('Welfare reform is a moral and financial must', Jul 22) is right that unless we rethink our welfare system we face economic crisis. The tragedy is that this has been staring us in the face since at least the early 2000s. Successive welfare ministers have recognised that but each has put the issue in the 'too difficult' box, to be left for their successor. If we wait for one finally to have the courage to tackle it we will wait another generation.
We need to break the mould: we should establish a cross-party royal commission with a remit to report within one year — the issues and the facts are clear so a year will be ample — to recommend the measures that need to be taken to tackle this crisis. Then we should ask all our political parties to have the courage to implement its recommendations.Sir Leigh LewisPermanent secretary, Department for Work and Pensions 2005-10; Watford
Sir, It is inevitable that Rachel Reeves will struggle to persuade Labour MPs to back legislation that has to be considerably tougher than the recent attempts at welfare reform. The solution is to raise income tax by, say, 2 per cent, with the promise of bringing it down again when welfare reforms have improved the government's finances.Andrew ScottEast Knoyle, Wilts
Sir, I am horrified to admit that I agree with Reform UK about something: in this case the need for more 'big strapping male police officers' (report, Jul 22). The episode that made me agree is as follows. A few years ago I was returning home in my car, through my local town centre, late on a weekday evening. While at a red light I saw a street brawl erupt around me involving about ten adult males. One man was struck and fell to the floor beside my car; his attacker then began to kick his unconscious body. Before too many head kicks were delivered I got out of the car and pushed the assailant away. When threatened I didn't move, so got punched a fair bit. Other passers-by then intervened to break it all up and we called an ambulance for the chap on the floor. When the dust had fully settled, a slight WPC and a male constable no bigger than me (I am 5ft 7in and 63kg) nervously appeared. I was absolutely disgusted. Two 100kg male PCs might have had a calming effect on the mayhem but these two lightweights certainly wouldn't. It is possible that the officers knew this and had kept out of the way until things had settled down.Andrew CoeWinterton, Lincs
Sir, Nigel Farage misses the point when he states he wants to recruit 'beefy bobbies' to strike fear into criminals. The police have no need of beefy bobbies — most officers are more than capable of arresting criminals. What they need is a justice system that allows them to do their duty without fear of being accused of racism, Islamophobia and lack of impartiality, and inquiries into alleged wrongdoing that take years to complete. Further, if the courts imposed appropriate sentences (assuming, of course, that the craven CPS allowed prosecution in the first place), this would act as a deterrent to wrongdoing, which is sadly absent at present and is empowering lawlessness. Only a complete overhaul of the justice system will address this imbalance, not bigger officers.Geoffrey MolloyMetropolitan Police 1976-2006; Chart Sutton, Kent
Sir, The chief executive of NHS England, Sir Jim Mackey, advocates a 'different approach' to the 'Christmas Day' acute care service provided during previous industrial action by doctors, but offers little detail about how this might be achieved ('Patients at risk during walkouts, warns BMA', Jul 22). How can productivity remain constant when capacity is reduced without increasing pressure in the system past the point of irreversible damage? Without a clear and funded 'surge' plan, Mackey's mandate is no more than grandstanding.Mona SoodSouthend-on-Sea, Essex
Sir, The impending loss of the Lord Ashcroft VC and GC collection in the Imperial War Museum is to be regretted (Thunderer, Jul 22). Anyone who has visited the display, the largest of its kind, cannot help but be humbled by the gallantry of those who received these awards. The removal of the collection serves the interests of no one. The museum should be made to justify its irrational decision.Jeremy Prescott (Lt-Col, ret'd)Southsea, Hants
Sir, While awaiting the arrival of the Bayeux Tapestry and after enjoying the impressive replica at Reading Museum (letters, Jul 21 & 22), Times readers should venture west to Fishguard and visit the tapestry commemorating the last invasion of Britain in 1797. It is beautifully and colourfully designed, and was stitched by local people. Moreover, it celebrates an invasion that was repelled.Mary BattleLondon SW18
Sir, It seems ridiculous that local councils are still unable to levy a tourism tax on hotel stays ('Tourist tax plan rejected by Treasury', Jul 22). I travel frequently to the US and Europe, where these taxes are accepted as a standard element of any hotel bill. They reflect the tourist's/business visitor's use of local infrastructure (roads and public transport etc) that, without such a tax, becomes solely the responsibility of local taxpayers. Enabling councils to collect a tourism tax, without any of the money going to central government, would not only help to relieve pressure on local government finances but would also help to reduce further demand on government subsidies.Dr Anthony HarrisCambridge
Sir, Libby Purves makes powerful points about the damage done to the starter job opportunities for young people ('Bar, café and retail jobs are society's heartbeat', Jul 21). It brought to mind the contrast my wife and I found on a recent visit to Australia. Shops, restaurants and bars were well staffed by bright, smiling young people who oozed enthusiasm for their role and their customers. Many were young Europeans and clearly motivated by their travel experience, and had been brightly trained by their bosses. Our government, through its policies, is denying our own children the chance to experience life beyond the screen. As Purves implies, the government needs to change tack.David R SmithSouthport, Merseyside
Sir, Although I admire the creativity of the various top-level chefs in their quest for the perfect mashed potato (report, Jul 22), sometimes simplicity is the best approach. My late mother made the most delicious mash, following the teaching of her own mother. She used old, floury potatoes, gently boiled them until tender then mashed them with a traditional hand-masher. She would add a large knob of butter and a good splash of milk, but the true secret was in the beating: my sister and I competed to beat the mash vigorously with a large tablespoon. The result was perfection.Rhiannon CarvellWhitby, N Yorks
Sir, Your leader writer is clearly a person of absolute taste ('Brewing Storm', Jul 22). Tea leaves are for brewing: tea bags are for puffy eyes.Enda CullenArmagh
Sir, Having read James Marriott's excellent comment article (Jul 22) discussing the film Barry Lyndon, I am reminded of another film set in the 18th century: the wonderful 1963 film Tom Jones, with Albert Finley in the title role. The two films couldn't be more different in texture and storytelling but both give a vivid view of life in the middle of that century. I would thoroughly recommend watching both and if stamina permits, one after the other.Barbara GodfreyArborfield Cross, Berks
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Sun
14 minutes ago
- The Sun
BMA's failure to allow treatment during strike is wrecking patients' lives & playing God with their medical conditions
Doctors can't just refuse to do duty THE wait for a cancer diagnosis is one of the most agonising experiences of anyone's life. So a Milton Keynes hospital trust made a plea to the striking BMA union to allow treatment of six patients who had steeled themselves for their biopsies. 1 Shamefully, their response was no. We knew the union's leaders were grasping mercenaries in their pursuit of a fantasy 29 per cent pay claim. Now we know they are capable of inhuman cruelty too. It was only thanks to the heroic decision of one of their own members to break the strike that the patients got the treatment they needed. The BMA's decision was based on the fact there was no direct clinical risk because none of the patients had as yet been diagnosed with cancer. Crystal clear evidence that the union is not only wrecking patients' lives but also playing God with their medical conditions. Health Secretary Wes Streeting, himself a former cancer sufferer, says: 'It is completely unacceptable for the BMA to dismiss the mental anguish a delayed diagnosis can have on people and families.'' Spot on, Wes. Extremist fanatics have no right to dictate whether someone should be tested for cancer or not. And every grotesque BMA decision that harms patients must be ruthlessly exposed. Take Don's advice PM Since his election, Mr Trump has wasted no time in reducing the hordes arriving in the US to a trickle and deporting tens of thousands more. Meanwhile, Sir Keir seems unable to get to grips with the crisis over here. The two leaders will no doubt be discussing vital matters such as Gaza and the UK-US trade deal when they meet tomorrow. But Sir Keir should put learning lessons on migration at the top of the agenda. Help on high streets BUSINESS Secretary Jonny Reynolds has revealed the Government plans to give the nation's struggling high streets a shot in the arm in the autumn budget. Welcome words. We have warned for years that the sector was on its knees. But for many pubs and restaurants, Labour's tax hikes have already proved the final nail in the coffin.


The Sun
14 minutes ago
- The Sun
The two party system is obliterated, welcome to Balkans Britain
IF Labour and the Tories were High Street jewellers, then they would both be Ratner's. Their brands are tainted, their names are mud, their future uncertain. 7 7 For a century Labour and the Tories were the Tiffany and Cartier of our proud old democracy. Then they both did a Ratner. The Tories took 14 years to deeply disappoint the British people. Labour has managed to make the nation despair in closer to 14 months. And their good old days of swapping power every few years are over. Welcome to Balkan s Britain. Balkan-isation refers to the process where a state irrevocably shatters into many smaller states. That is exactly what is happening right now to traditional British politics. The two-party system is obliterated, and there are bits and pieces all over the carpet. The disintegration of our body politic reached new heights this week with the resurrection of Jeremy Corbyn and the launch of his new leftier- than-thou party — provisionally named 'Your Party' (not mine, never mine). Now Labour can't chuckle about the Tories warily looking over their right shoulder at Reform. Inside UK's 1st Reform pub with £2 pints, boozers drinking 'Remainer tears' & even Corbyn's allowed in, on one condition Because Labour are looking over their left shoulder at Jeremy Corbyn's Your Party. And everybody has to fear losing support to the Greens, Lib Dems and Monster Raving Loony Party. And will the fragmentation of our old two-party system be good for our country? Will Reform's right-wing firebrands draining support from the Tories and Corbyn's full-fat comrades nicking support from Labour make us a healthier, happier country? Fingers crossed, eh? But those of us who care about our country far more than we do, any political party should not dance too gleefully on the freshly dug grave of the two-party system. Because effective government ALWAYS comes from a broad church of opinions. Tony Blair's New Labour had room in its ranks for both Peter Mandelson and Dennis 'Beast of Bolsover' Skinner — slinky capitalist and old-school socialist. Maggie Thatcher had room in her Cabinet for both Michael Heseltine and Norman Tebbit — fanatical pro-European and unapologetic patriot. It is impossible to imagine either of the two big parties being quite so broadminded these days. Corbyn and Farage have this in common — they are both profoundly anti-establishment. Yet one of them could wield power after the next General Election, even if it is lording over some fractious coalition. Then Nigel might find that shipping hardcore criminals to El Salvador is easier said than done. And Jeremy might discover that ranting about the wickedness of the filthy rich does absolutely nothing for the British economy. And when the old two-party system is buried forever, you and I may even start to miss it. Romance in air? Liam's just being hammy with Pammy LIAM NEESON and Pamela Anderson are promoting their reboot of The Naked Gun – and old romantics are suggesting there may be a spark of real-life romance between this lovely couple. Liam, 73, confessed in a recent interview that he was 'madly in love' with the former Baywatch babe, 58. A confession that makes me believe there is absolutely no late-life love story going on between them. USYK'S GOT BIT OF ALI I REMEMBER my mum and dad had mixed feelings when Henry Cooper fought Muhammad Ali for the second time. Naturally my folks wanted the local lad – our Henry – to win. 7 But there was a big part of their hearts that always belonged to Muhammad Ali. And so it is with Oleksandr Usyk, who knocked out Daniel Dubois last weekend to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. Even if you want the Brit to win, you can't help but admire their opponent. Because both Ali and Usyk fought for a higher cause than their own career. Muhammad Ali fought racism. Oleksandr Usyk is the living embodiment of Ukraine's defiance in the face of Russia's murderous invasion. Usyk has now beaten the cream of British boxing – Daniel Dubois (twice), Tyson Fury (twice), Anthony Joshua (twice), Derek Chisora and Tony Bellew. Muhammad Ali beat Henry Cooper (twice), Joe Bugner (twice), Brian London and Richard Dunn. But Ali was always loved in this country. As so is Usyk. 'UK is my second home,' says Usyk. 'I love UK.' The feeling is mutual, champ. Glory to Ukraine. ORVILLE the Duck is being branded a 'nappy-wearing perv' after revelations about inappropriate behaviour. TV's Mel and Sue revealed that they were co-hosting Channel 4's Light Lunch in 1997 when ventriloquist Keith Harris (and Orville) became as over-familiar with Mel as Rod Hull (and Emu) got with Michael Parkinson 20 years earlier. 7 'Keith Harris got a bit naughty with Sue!' Mel revealed. 'Well, Orville did! Yes, Orville got a bit naughty Nineties.' I believe Keith Harris, who died in 2015, should carry the can. He was the one with his hand up the green duck's Wembley Way. Look at those eyes. Orville is innocent. TELL IT LIKE IT KISS 'RIGHT then, do we have any lovebirds in the house?' asked Liam Gallagher on stage in Manchester. 'Don't worry, we ain't got none of that snidey Coldplay f***ing camera s**t. Doesn't matter to us who you're mingling with or tingling with – none of our f***ing business.' 7 Beautifully put, Liam. Our kid is right to be outraged at the use of kiss cams at concerts. After the Coldplay farrago, it is worth recalling that the kiss cam only began life in California in the Eighties, taking advantage of new-fangled giant video screens at sporting events. The kiss cam was introduced as a way to stop crowds nodding off at baseball and American football games. As Liam points out, it is weird that the kiss cam should become a feature of concerts. There is nothing even remotely rock and roll about it. But of course that's also true of Coldplay. BOB DYLAN – 84! – returns to the UK in November, and once again no phones will be allowed at his shows. That must feel weird for anyone below the age of about 30. To the rest of us, a phone-free night watching Dylan feels gloriously liberating. COP SHOP ROT 'E-SCOOTERS can be a great way to get around,' says a government spokesman. This is especially true if you want to steal somebody's phone, a crime now so widespread that last year £50million worth of phones were snatched in London alone. Most of those phones are never recovered. Just as most burglaries – almost 82 per cent – are never solved. Just as most shoplifters – now three thefts a minute! – never get a slap on the wrist. Nigel Farage is right – this country feels increasingly lawless. But there was one thing Farage neglected to mention in his bid to make Reform the party of law and order. Two-thirds of police stations in England have closed since 2010. This is where the rot begins. This is where our rising crime rates took root. When police stations went the same way as Woolworths.


The Sun
14 minutes ago
- The Sun
Full list of UK airline hand luggage rules explained
RYANAIR boss Michael O'Leary said this week he was considering bigger bonuses for staff who identify passengers with oversized bags. And earlier this month, a leaked email showed that staff across major airports in the UK would also receive payments for every bag confiscated from easyJet passengers ahead of boarding. So, how much can you really get away with? Sophie Swiethowski shares everything you need to know about hand-luggage restrictions for Brits' favourite airlines. EASYJET Every passenger is entitled to one free, small carry-on bag that must fit under the seat in front of them. The bag cannot exceed 45 x 36 x 20cm, including handles and wheels, and it must weigh no more than 15kg. EasyJet Plus members and those who have booked an Inclusive Plus fare (which also includes a 23kg checked bag) will be able to take a larger hand luggage bag with them, measuring up to 56 x 45 x 25cm. Anyone else wanting to take a larger carry-on will have to pay £5.99 (or more) in advance of flying. RYANAIR Ryanair has one of the smallest hand luggage allowances on this list. Like easyJet, every passenger is allowed one small, under-the-seat bag for free, measuring no greater than 40 x 20 x 25cm, although there is no specific weight limit. Larger carry-ons, to be stored in overhead lockers, cost from £6 and must not exceed 10kg. The maximum dimensions are 55 x 40 x 20cm. BRITISH AIRWAYS The UK's flag carrier has the most generous allowance of all the airlines listed here. All passengers are entitled to bring a free 'hand bag' to go under the seat. This can measure up to 40 x 30 x 15cm and has a large weight limit of 23kg, the same as checked baggage. Larger carry-ons are also included in the price of your ticket. Overhead bags can measure up to 56 x 45 x 25cm, including wheels and handles, with a weight limit of 23kg. JET2 When it comes to carry-on allowances, Jet2 is undoubtedly the winner of the low-cost airlines. Much like British Airways, customers can bring both a small and large bag on board for free. An under-the-seat bag must not exceed the limit of 40cm x 30cm x 15cm, although there are no weight restrictions. Larger bags can measure up to 56cm x 45cm x 25cm and must weigh no more than 10kg. WIZZ AIR On a par with Ryanair, the maximum dimensions for a free and smaller carry-on bag are 40 x 30 x 20cm and this bag can weigh up to 10kg. Passengers with a larger bag will have to purchase a Wizz Priority ticket if they do not want to incur a charge at the gate. The priority ticket costs from €5 (£4.33) and also includes priority boarding. These overhead-locker bags cannot exceed the weight limit of 10kg and must comply with the maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23cm. 1