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Future of Thames Water
06 January 2026
Lead MP
Layla Moran
Oxford West and Abingdon
LD
Responding Minister
Dame Angela Eagle
Tags
EconomyTaxation
Word Count: 8977
Other Contributors: 15
At a Glance
Layla Moran raised concerns about future of thames water in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Liberal Democrats urge the Government to intervene more aggressively, taking legal and financial steps necessary to improve service delivery and reduce sewage pollution as promised, while also considering alternatives like public ownership or regulation.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Thames Water has repeatedly demonstrated incompetence and disregard for customers, as evidenced by extreme water bills, flooding incidents due to blocked drains, sewage contamination in homes, and poor quality bathing waters. The company's £20 billion debt and mismanagement issues have eroded public trust.
Charlie Maynard
Con
Croydon South
Pointed out high interest costs, massive advisory fees, and legal expenses being paid by Thames Water, suggesting that these costs are ultimately borne by customers.
Clive Jones
LD
Wokingham
Thames Water's debt is over £17 billion, third of bills servicing the company’s debt, harming local rivers like River Loddon; supports special administration.
Angela Eagle
Lab
Liverpool Walton
Confirmed that the Labour Government had prioritised legislation to prevent abuse by water companies, highlighted the restrictions on dividend payments imposed on Thames Water, and detailed ongoing work with Ofwat to ensure customer protection.
Daniel Francis
Lab
Bexleyheath and Crayford
Supports measures in the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 but highlights ongoing issues with major leaks, road closures, and bill increases of up to 40% without clear explanations from Thames Water.
Al Pinkerton
LD
Surrey Heath
Describes a similar issue in his constituency where sewage was stored in open tanks for an entire summer, casting a stinky pall over the whole of Camberley town centre. Thames Water promised compensation to constituents which has never been received.
Roz Savage
LD
South Cotswolds
Lib Dems have been calling for Thames Water to be put into special administration due to sewage discharge cases and excessive CEO pay.
Henley and Thame
Weekly emails from constituents about issues such as miscalculated billing, sewage discharge into waterways, and flooding of homes with human waste.
Epsom and Ewell
A constituent's bill doubled, and £2.5 million was given for executive bonuses despite the company’s poor performance; suggests special administration.
James Naish
Con
Rushcliffe
Asked if customers were being treated as cash cows for servicing the debt of Thames Water and questioned whether customer money was ringfenced for infrastructure investment.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Questions the level of payouts for Thames Water's chief executive and calls for government intervention to take over the company due to its debt and mismanagement.
Esher and Walton
Highlighted sewage discharges affecting her constituency, describing persistent odours and health impacts on residents near Thames Water’s Lower Green sewage plant.
Olly Glover
LD
Didcot and Wantage
Supports new housing projects despite concerns about Thames Water’s performance, citing massive daily water losses and lack of faith in the company's plans for White Horse reservoir.
Richard Tice
Reform
Boston and Skegness
Discussed the mismanagement of Thames Water's finances, highlighting soaring debt from £6 billion to £18 billion over 15 years while regulatory oversight was inadequate. Asserted that Thames Water is insolvent and unable to meet financial obligations or invest in infrastructure, questioning the company's ability to deliver its promised £20 billion investment plan.
Sarah Olney
LD
Richmond Park
Supports a petition calling for scrapped price hikes and opposes the Teddington direct river abstraction project, citing environmental concerns.
Tim Farron
LD
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Pays tribute to Layla Moran for leading the debate brilliantly and highlights that this is about more than one failing company but about whether a vital public service is run in the interests of customers, communities, and the environment. Criticises Thames Water's debt level, customer bill increases, and environmental pollution.
Government Response
Dame Angela Eagle
The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs
Government Response
This Government is committed to transforming the water sector with £104 billion of private investment. They have announced intentions based on Sir Jon Cunliffe’s report, including establishing a new single regulator, creating a water ombudsman, and preventing self-assessment for pollution by water companies. The Government will work closely with Ofwat in conversations with Thames Water's creditors to ensure the best possible outcomes for customers and the environment. Emphasised that any solution must protect customers and the environment, reiterated ongoing work with Ofwat and FTI Consulting for contingency planning in case of insolvency, stressed high standards for applying special administration regimes, and assured Members that the Government would act if necessary.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.