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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Helena Horton Environment reporter

Revealed: watchdogs and water bosses had dinner at private London club to discuss future

Ofwat Environment Agency Environment EA SPORTS the Environment Agency Alan Lovell Northumbrian Water Severn Trent Southern Water South West Water
The dinner took place at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall.
The Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall. Photograph: Goddard on the Go/Alamy

Water company bosses and the chairs of the regulator Ofwat and the Environment Agency went for dinner at an exclusive private members’ club to discuss how to quell public anger over bill rises and sewage spills, the Guardian can reveal.

Campaigners have said the private meeting is an outrageous example of “regulatory capture” as Ofwat and the Environment Agency are supposed to hold water companies to account, rather than help with their public relations.

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