Southern Water's chief executive, Lawrence Gosden, has sparked outrage after it was revealed his salary has more than doubled to a staggering £1.3 million, despite the company's ongoing struggles with sewage spills and regulatory failures.
The water firm, which serves millions of customers across southern England, has been repeatedly fined for environmental violations, including illegal sewage discharges. Last year alone, Southern Water was hit with a £90 million penalty for dumping untreated wastewater into protected seas.
Minister Demands Answers
Environment Minister Rebecca Pow has summoned Gosden to explain the massive pay rise, calling it "unjustifiable" given the company's poor performance. "Customers shouldn't be footing the bill for failure," Pow stated in Parliament.
Customers Bear the Brunt
While executives enjoy soaring salaries, Southern Water customers face:
- Average annual bills rising to £476
- Continued service disruptions
- Environmental damage from sewage spills
Consumer groups have condemned the pay hike, with WaterWatch UK calling it "a slap in the face to every household struggling with rising water bills."
Defending the Indefensible
Southern Water claims the increased pay package reflects Gosden's "experience and leadership," but critics point to:
- Ongoing pollution incidents
- Falling customer satisfaction ratings
- Missed regulatory targets
As pressure mounts, questions are being raised about whether water company executives should face stricter pay controls, particularly when funded by customer bills.
