Southern Water has come under fire for missing another meeting at County Hall, condemned as “disgraceful” and “unacceptable” by an Isle of Wight councillor.
Alliance representative Paul Fuller said he was “very disappointed” the private utility company was again not present at the environment and community protection committee last Thursday (26th March 2026).
On Monday (30th March 2026), a Southern Water spokesperson said the company has apologised for not attending and always does its ‘utmost’ to be at regular meetings.
‘Disgraceful’ absence
Councillor Fuller, the member for Cowes West and Gurnard, told the Isle of Wight Council chamber of “quite significant” increases in Southern Water bills and added he was “seething” and “embarrassed” no one from the company attended.
Bills rising by eight per cent
From April 2026, the average household bill for combined water and wastewater will increase by eight per cent.
Southern Water previously said the increase helps with a range of projects which will deliver improvements such as minimising flooding, fixing more leaks and protecting the environment.
Criticism of the corporation came during a scrutiny discussion on the flooding of the Eastern Yar.
Councillor Fuller said,
“This is the second meeting now…where we haven’t had a representative (from Southern Water). I just feel that it’s disgraceful.
“They only have to come to several meetings a year and they don’t bother coming along. I have a question for Southern Water – can’t ask it because they’re not here.
“I find that kind of thing unacceptable.”
Alliance chair of the panel Councillor Karen Lucioni said it was “not respectful” and added she was of the same opinion.
‘We only had them for one hour’
Councillor Ed Blake, Conservative group leader, said at a previous meeting Southern Water put a “very short time limit” on their stay and added that questions to the company had to be curtailed.
He told the committee,
“I think we only had them for one hour and we should have had them for about 12 this year.”
Southern Water responds
A spokesperson for Southern Water said,
“We apologise for not attending the meeting and have apologised directly to the service director at the Council.
“We enjoy a good working relationship with the council and always do our utmost to attend regular meetings.
“We have already confirmed attendance to the next committee meeting and look forward to discussing our local projects and plans, including Southern Water’s £99 million investment between 2025 and 2030 on the Island, to improve bathing water quality, prevent flooding and develop new water sources, reducing reliance on the Mainland.”
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
