Wessex Water no confidence motion blocked by council chair

A proposed “no confidence” motion against Wessex Water has been blocked by the chair of the Bath and North East Somerset Council before a vote could take place. The motion, tabled by Green councillors, sought to declare a lack of confidence in the water company following the spilling of untreated sewage.

Council Chair Shaun Stephenson-McGall ruled the motion out for breaching the council’s “six-month rule,” which prevents voting on the same issue twice within a half-year period. The chair noted the motion was too similar to a July Liberal Democrat motion regarding the rights of the River Avon. While the July motion focused on council actions, the Green motion specifically called for the nationalization of water companies.

Green group leader Joanna Wright criticized the late decision, stating that the council had previously indicated the motion was acceptable. The Liberal Democrats denied any connection between the ruling and the chair's recent attendance at an event hosted by the former CEO of Wessex Water.