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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Sandra Laville Environment correspondent

Water firms push for higher shareholder returns as Ofwat considers bills increase

A Thames Water sign on a fence surrounding a digger that says 'We're fitting brand new pipes to make your network stronger'.
Some private water companies are now drowning in debt, with Thames Water struggling to avoid being taken into special administration, with gross debts of £17.4bn. Photograph: Neil Hall/EPA

Water companies want to see higher returns for shareholders to ensure record investment into sewage infrastructure, pipes and treatment plants is delivered.

As Ofwat, the water regulator for England and Wales, prepares to announce its decision on how much customer bills will be allowed to rise by to fund tens of billions of pounds in investment across the industry, water companies said higher returns were needed.

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