Question No: 2024/3357 (RE: Water Special Measures Bill)
Question (Thomas Turrell): 10th October 2024
Has the Government asked for your input in the Water Special Measures Bill?
Answer (Sadiq Khan): 15th October 2024
The government shares my concerns about the appalling state of the water sector in England.
The new Secretary of State understands the need for water sector reform. This includes holding water companies to account for their performance and the service they provide, particularly the executives and better protecting customers. The need for stronger regulation and tougher penalties for water companies that pollute and the need to better plan and invest for the impacts of climate change is also essential and I am pleased the Government is moving ahead to set this in legislation.
Question No: 2024/3358 (RE: Open Water Swimming)
Question (Thomas Turrell): 10th October 2024
Please can you confirm the target date you intend to make the four proposed open water swimming spaces safe by?
Answer (Sadiq Khan): 15th October 2024
The four sites identified in my open water swimming guide are not specific planned sites, but are instead indicative of the ambition of my manifesto commitment to clean up London’s waterways. The work on the plan will help identify specific sites, the organisations we need to work with, feasibility and the path and timescales to safe water swimming locations, as well as areas accessible to Londoners for walking and paddling.
I have already funded successful open water swimming locations including at the Royal Docks, West Reservoir and Beckenham Place Park, all of which have safe water quality, regularly tested to confirm safe water quality.
Question No: 2024/3359 (RE: Open Water Swimming (2))
Question (Thomas Turrell): 10th October 2024
Please can you rank from 1-8, which of your eight open water swimming spaces are most safe, with 1 being safest and 8 being least safe?
Answer (Sadiq Khan): 15th October 2024
All eight open water swimming spaces have been deemed safe for swimming by their respective managing organisations and as such there is no scale of most to least safe. Safety is monitored on an ongoing basis and depends on the unique conditions and risks of each site. If a site does not meet safety standards, then swimming may temporarily be suspended until safe again. In addition, they are all life guarded and have clear rules to ensure safety.
