Maria Eagle MP, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, responding to the fine imposed on Thames Water today by the water regulator OfWat, said:

“More than two million households in England and Wales are forced to spend more than five per cent of their household income on the cost of water. The Tory-led Government’s approach, by which water companies can choose whether to offer a ‘social tariff’ needs to be more rigorous and applied nationally to make sure that families can cope better with the cost-of-living crisis.

“Rather than relying on retrospective fines on water companies who mislead customers, Labour believes there should be a national approach to help those struggling most with their water bills which also tackles bad debt in the water industry. We need to both find new ways of supporting those who cannot afford to pay and also pursuing those who choose not to.

“The money being given back to customers and the community through this fine is welcome but there should be a more effective way to make sure our water is more affordable for all families.”