Water bill increases insult to Londoners

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 4th Oct 2004

Commenting on the expected decision by Ministers to allow Thames water to increase their bills by above the rate of inflation for the next six years to reduce sewage releases in to the Thames and reduce leaks, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, Dee Doocey, said:-

"Thames Water says it cannot find the cash to stop raw sewage being pumped into the river or to stop leaky pipes, but they are making massive profits and paying huge salaries to their directors. With water bills expected to rise above the rate of inflation over the next six years, it is the hard-pressed public who are being forced to pay for an appalling service.

"Serious questions must be asked about why Thames Water has failed to tackle the rebuilding of our leaking and crumbling sewage system, and why despite making massive profits, it is the customer who is being asked to pay for the improvements."