UK’s largest listed water company; regulates North West England’s water network
Water companies have reported higher executive pay despite a 2025 bonus ban aimed at curbing lavish payouts after pollution concerns and environmental penalties. Multiple firms show retention payments and raises for chief executives, with regulators promising action while households face rising bills and drought pressures.
Lenders to Thames Water have revised their rescue proposal, incorporating a “golden share” and greater local oversight as Andy Burnham’s government signals plans for stronger public control of essential services. Regulators are being consulted while the government weighs temporary nationalisation as a pathway to stabilising the troubled utility serving 16 million people.
Ofwat has provisionally allowed five of 13 water companies in England and Wales to raise charges by about £3.4bn by 2030 to fund infrastructure upgrades, address PFAS and support housing and data-centre growth. Bills for several firms will rise in 2027–28 and 2029–30, with final confirmation due after consultation in December.
The New Forest wildfire has destroyed thousands of hectares of heath and bog, and crews are wrapping up operations while restoration plans draw on past experiences; visitors are urged to heed safety warnings and temporary bans on disposable barbecues as authorities assess long-term environmental impact.
Leaders across parties are pressing to curb privatisation of water supplies as bills rise and infrastructure falters. Labour pledges stronger public control while the Greens push nationalisation; ministers weigh options for Thames Water amid financial strain and environmental pressures.