Spending review to combat pandemic needs to be long-term, says Shropshire MP
A Shropshire MP has expressed disappointment over the government's upcoming spending review, which is only set to cover the next 12 months.
Ludlow MP Philip Dunne said the review, due to be announced next month, should cover upcoming years in line with financial plans put together by government departments.
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But Mr Dunne said longer-term financial clarity was needed in order to "build back greener".
He said: "Disappointing if the spending review to be announced next month will be one year only.
"Departments have prepared multi-year plans, which allow proper planning for this parliament.
"Understandably difficult given the uncertainties of the pandemic, but longer-term clarity is required to build back greener."
It comes as Mr Dunne's Bill to tackle river pollution from untreated sewage and improve water quality has received more than 40,000 signatures.
Published last week, the Bill places a duty on water companies to ensure untreated sewage is not dumped into inland waters.
It will require water companies to set out plans progressively to reduce their reliance on combined sewer overflows.
Mr Dunne, who is also chairman of the environmental audit committee, said: “Our rivers are a vital part of our natural heritage.
"It is right the government has committed to restoring at least three quarters of our waters to their natural state."
