Thank you to everyone who has contacted me for updates on Thames Water’s proposed deal with Ofwat which would allow the water company to pollute our waterways for 15 years unpenalised.
As mentioned in my previous statement last month, I wrote to Thames Water and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) directly to share constituents’ concerns.
Please see Thames Water and DEFRA’s response below.
[Email response from Thames Water]
Dear Ms Foxcroft,
Further to my email on 26 March 2026, regarding the concerns a large number of your constituents have raised with you regarding the deal raised around our pollution. I have now completed a full review of your complaint in line with our complaints procedure.
I am writing to you today to conclude the outcome of your enquiry following a response I received from our internal department of regulatory process.
Pollution to our rivers
A consortium known as London & Valley Water has put forward a proposal for the turnaround and recapitalisation of Thames Water. This proposal is currently being discussed with Ofwat and other regulators, but it has not yet been agreed.
As part of the proposal, the consortium would provide the investment required to deliver an ambitious improvement programme, enabling total expenditure of £20.4 billion. The intention is to significantly improve Thames Water’s overall performance and resilience.
In the meantime, Thames Water’s 8,000 employees continue to work hard to maintain and improve essential water and wastewater services for customers. During the first six months of this year, the company invested over £1.2 billion, representing a 22% increase year on year. This investment has focused on replacing ageing pipes, fixing leaks, reducing pollution incidents, and upgrading the wider network.
Further information on the next steps in this process will be shared as soon as it becomes available.
Next steps
I hope this explains your enquiry around pollution to our rivers. If you would like to discuss anything further, please feel free to call me on 0800 009 4995, Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 5pm — I am here to help.
I have written to the Minister once again to raise concerns about Thames Water’s email that clearly states that while their deal has still not been agreed, they will not be changing its contents.
When my constituents’ bills are rising by over 100%, is an increase of 22% to rectify the problems of years of underinvestment and big share holder payouts really enough?
Thank you once again to everyone who got in touch about this important issue. I will continue to monitor the issue closely.