Select Committee · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Thames Water
Status: Closed
Opened: 4 Jul 2023
Closed: 23 May 2024
Inquiry scope
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee has invited key decision-makers involved with Thames Water to a public hearing of the Committee on Wednesday 12 July to explain the difficulties facing the company and the water industry more generally. On June 27, Thames Water’s Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Bentley, resigned after just two years in the post, shortly after she was reportedly asked to forgo her bonus over a controversy around sewage spills. Media reports suggest that the company has substantial and growing debt, and that the government may be preparing contingency plans in case of its failure. The water industry regulator, Ofwat, has previously raised concerns about the financial resilience of other companies in the sector. On Thursday 29 June it was reported that Yorkshire Water is raising £500m from shareholders to shore up its finances. The Committee is likely to ask about the causes of the problems facing Thames Water and the potential solutions – and ask whether other water companies may face similar difficulties. The current financial regulations and legal oversight of water utilities may also be probed. Other questions may be asked on issues including water quality, investment and corporate dividends.Oral evidence sessions
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| Date | Session and witnesses | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 12 Dec 2023 |
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Alastair Cochran · Thames Water,
Cathryn Ross · Thames Water,
David Black · Ofwat,
Iain Coucher · Ofwat,
Sir Adrian Montague CBE · Thames Water
|
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| 12 Jul 2023 |
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Alastair Cochran · Thames Water,
Cathryn Ross · Thames Water,
David Black · Ofwat,
David Hill · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,
Iain Coucher · Ofwat,
Rebecca Pow · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,
Sir Adrian Montague CBE · Thames Water
|
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Who gave evidence
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| Witness | Organisation | Sessions |
|---|---|---|
| Alastair Cochran · Joint Interim CEO | Thames Water | 2 |
| Cathryn Ross · Joint Interim CEO | Thames Water | 2 |
| David Black · Chief Executive | Ofwat | 2 |
| Iain Coucher · Chair | Ofwat | 2 |
| Sir Adrian Montague CBE · Chair | Thames Water | 2 |
| David Hill · Director General for Strategy and Water | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | 1 |
| Rebecca Pow · Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Environmental Quality and Resilience) | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | 1 |
Correspondence
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