📄 Severn Trent PR Demands Local Residents' Private Phone Number?
*Photo taken 18 October 2022: SOCOTEC conducting survey work on the field behind residents' homes — the same survey report Severn Trent now appears reluctant to release in full.
Severn Trent Asked to Release Survey Report — PR Manager Requests Phone Call Instead
A friend of the resident at the centre of this petition has submitted a formal Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) request to Severn Trent Water, requesting the full version of a 2022 survey report carried out by SOCOTEC — the environmental and geotechnical consultants — on the land currently under development behind the resident’s home.
The report, which was commissioned by Severn Trent, is believed to contain key findings about ground conditions, drainage, structural risk, and environmental impact. However, only a heavily redacted summary has been made public.
In response to the request, Timothy Ip, Severn Trent’s Community Communications Manager, replied:
“I’ve discussed your request with the team and have assessed the report myself. Would you be able to provide a telephone number that I can contact you on? I feel it would be easier to have a conversation on the telephone about your request.”
This request has caused concern. Rather than releasing the report or responding formally in writing, Mr Ip asked the requestor — a resident who has previously campaigned against fracking in her local area — for her private phone number!
The requestor has declined to provide this, choosing to keep all communication in writing in order to maintain a clear and auditable record. Campaigners suggest that asking for a personal contact number in the context of a legal information request is not only inappropriate but risks appearing evasive.
It’s worth noting that under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR) and ICO guidance, there is no requirement for an applicant to explain why they are requesting information or to provide a phone number. Requests can be made by any member of the public — and are legally binding.
Could This Have Been a Simple Identity Check?
While it’s possible that Mr Ip was attempting to verify the identity of the requester, campaigners argue that this could — and should — have been handled in writing, through the appropriate channels. For example, a formal letter asking for signed confirmation or clarification of the request.
In the context of a statutory transparency request, asking for a private phone call — especially from a PR officer rather than a legal contact — raises valid concerns that the request was being diverted into an informal space where accountability is harder to enforce.
It is noteworthy that this is the very same Mr Ip, who, in his email correspondence to a Crowle resident on 20 August, and 30 August 2024 said:
"...I take full responsibility for these failings."
"...it's clear that we've let you and your neighbours down... Poor communication from the project team hasn't allowed us to engage with you and your neighbours about how this work will impact you and how the landscape will change once complete."
"We aim to do much better from here..."
A formal written reply has now been sent to Mr Ip, reminding Severn Trent of their obligations under EIR. The company is now expected to respond with either the full report or a legally valid exemption, within the statutory timeframe.
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👉 If you feel strongly about the issues raised in this article, then consider sending an e-mail to Crowle Town Council (clerk@crowleandealandcouncil.org) or North Lincolnshire Council (customerservice@northlincs.gov.uk) or even Councillor Julie Reed, (Cllr.juliereed@northlincs.gov.uk), and ask them why are residents being silenced?