Brighton Greens push for self supply on democratic ownership grounds

Green councillors in Brighton and Hove have put a proposal forward to the Policy, Resources and Growth Committee that the City Council should apply for water and wastewater self supply licences.

This seems to be based on a belief that this would enable the council to “bypass profit making water companies”. Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, who is proposing that the council explores the option to self-supply water, said: “It’s clear that water privatisation has failed us and our environment. Greens will continue to fight for an end to water privatisation – and while that fight goes on, we want to see residents given the democratic oversight over water they deserve.

“Exploring the option to ‘self-supply’ water would allow the council to directly buy water services – cutting out the water companies and their profit margins.

“On top of lowering bills, the city’s water supply would be brought under direct democratic oversight – including wastewater management, giving us the opportunity to do more for our environment. Crucially, councils who opt to “self-supply” are also given a say in how water is managed nationwide. We are pushing for Brighton and Hove to become the latest council to challenge how water supply is owned and run– for the good of our residents and environment.”