So that's what happened to our Evenlode!

Sat 20 May 2023, 16:22

As to the local issue in general, and the Evenlode and Thames Water in particular, this does not surprise me at all, given what I think can be described as the suppression of democracy by this government. 

It gives further ammunition to my view that Ofwat, the water industry's governing body, must be given TEETH... they need to be given the power to prohibit dividend payments - partially or totally - until any pollution caused by the release of raw sewage is remedied satisfactorily. 

This would of course upset the shareholders, and would thus make the sewage release issue self-regulating. 

Sat 20 May 2023, 14:17 (last edited on Sat 20 May 2023, 14:17)

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/may/20/revealed-warning-to-ministers-over-privatised-water-kept-secret-since-2002

"Revealed: warning to ministers over privatised water kept secret since 2002

Author calls for disclosure of his report that ‘shows why private equity dominance in England has proved so disastrous’

Sandra Laville

Sat 20 May 2023 07.00 BST

Ministers were warned about the dangers of private equity taking over the water industry in a briefing that has been kept secret for 20 years, the Guardian can reveal.

Details of the analysis are still being withheld as sewage pollution and the failure of water companies to invest in infrastructure are under national scrutiny.<>