It’s Time to Say No to a Thames Water Rescue Deal

Last week, I signed a letter urging Ofwat and the Environment Secretary to reject the recently proposed Thames Water rescue deal. 

For far too long, Thames Water has been allowed to get away with dumping raw sewage in our rivers. Time and again, the utility company has promised to clean up its act. Yet our waterways remain polluted, ecosystems are being damaged, and customers are left to deal with the consequences. 

Last month, it was announced that households would see a further bill increase to fund infrastructure upgrades that Thames Water should have invested in long ago.  

This isn’t just insulting; it is also unsustainable. Households across West Berkshire are already being squeezed by the cost-of-living crisis. They should not have to pay more for a service that continues to fail them. 

Yet that is likely to happen under this new deal. By offering to write off only 30% of the company’s debt, it ultimately protects lenders while leaving customers exposed to further bill hikes.  

What's more, the deal would also allow Thames Water to continue dumping sewage in our waterways for another 14 years. This is completely unacceptable. Our rivers, wildlife, and communities cannot afford to wait that long for meaningful action.  

It’s time we say no to a Thames Water rescue deal and demand a solution that puts our community and the environment first.