Thames Water is facing fierce backlash after being accused of effectively 'holding a gun to customers' heads' by demanding exorbitant bill increases while failing to tackle chronic leaks and sewage discharges.
The troubled utility giant, already under scrutiny for its environmental record, has proposed hiking household bills by 40% over the next five years. This comes as the company continues to lose 600 million litres of water daily through leaky pipes.
'Highway Robbery' Claims
Consumer champion Gareth Wyn Jones blasted the proposals, stating: 'This is nothing short of highway robbery. They're holding a gun to customers' heads while their infrastructure crumbles and sewage pollutes our rivers.'
The criticism follows revelations that Thames Water:
- Spilled sewage into rivers for 10,000 hours in 2023
- Has the worst leakage record among UK water companies
- Paid out £37 million in dividends last year despite its poor performance
Regulator Under Pressure
Ofwat, the water regulator, is facing calls to block the proposed bill increases. Environmental campaigners argue customers shouldn't foot the bill for decades of underinvestment.
'This is a company that's failed on every metric - leaks, sewage, customer service - yet expects hard-pressed families to bail them out,' said River Action UK spokesperson Emma Stevens.
The controversy comes as the government considers placing Thames Water into special administration amid concerns over its £15 billion debt mountain.
