Thames Water says it will raise base pay of bosses if Ofwat limits bonuses

Water companies including Thames have faced anger from the public and politicians over executive bonuses, leaks and sewage discharge. Photograph: Mina Kim/Reuters

Troubled Thames Water has threatened to increase the salaries of its executives if the industry regulator sees through on plans to limit bonuses for the bosses of water companies.

The company, which serves more than 16 million customers across the London area and the Thames valley, has told Ofwat it intends to raise base executive pay in a move that critics say is unscrupulous.