Margate Protest Erupts Before Activist’s Court Hearing on Unpaid Water Bills
A demonstration took place in Margate on March 19 ahead of an activist’s court hearing next week. Protesters gathered to oppose payment for wastewater services they say are failing the environment.
The Margate protest
Dozens of people assembled on the seafront holding placards calling to boycott water bills. Organisers said passing cars and trucks sounded dozens of supportive honks.
Speakers included long-time sewage campaigner Julie Wassmer and co-organiser Katy Colley. Two Green Party councillors, Rob Yates and Andy Harvey, also addressed the crowd.
Messages and participation
Attendees carried signs that criticised water company conduct and called for collective action. Other named participants included Johnbosco Nwogbo and Olivia Cavanagh.
Wassmer used the event to explain why she stopped paying the wastewater portion of her Southern Water bill four years ago. She also promoted the boycottwaterbills.com campaign she helped launch with Colley.
Legal hearing and arguments
Wassmer is due in Canterbury County Court on Thursday, March 26 at 10am. The case is a civil dispute over unpaid water bills.
She plans to argue that regulators have failed and that customers lack effective accountability. Her legal team says this raises concerns under Article 6 of the Human Rights Act.
Context: Southern Water’s record
Southern Water supplies water and wastewater services across Kent, Sussex and Hampshire. The company has faced major regulatory action in recent years.
In 2021 the firm pleaded guilty at Canterbury Crown Court to 51 offences. The offences involved widespread illegal discharges between 2010 and 2015.
The Environment Agency issued a record £90 million fine for long-term breaches of environmental law. That enforcement followed thousands of unpermitted sewage releases into protected waters.
Claims, responses and public reaction
Colley said signups to the boycott increased after Channel 4 released the drama Dirty Business. The programme highlighted issues in the privatised water industry.
Rob Yates told the crowd privatisation without competition harms consumers. He urged political change to address the sector’s systemic problems.
Southern Water statement
A Southern Water spokesperson urged customers to seek help if they struggle to pay bills. The company said it provides tailored payment plans and significant bill reductions.
Southern Water defended its investment plans, citing an approximately £8.5 billion programme. The firm said this will modernise infrastructure and fund environmental improvements.
The company also noted nearly 200,000 households will benefit from social tariff schemes. It asked customers to contact them early to arrange support.
The Margate protest erupted as attention turned to the activist’s court hearing on unpaid water bills. Filmogaz.com will follow developments at the Canterbury hearing.
