Thames Water bosses branded a disgrace by ministers for refusing to rule out hefty bill rises to cover their failures [Video]

MINISTERS yesterday branded Thames Water bosses a disgrace after they refused to rule out hefty bill rises to cover their own failures.

The firm faced a fresh crisis as shareholders denied them a £500million lifeline.

Thames Water planned to increase hard-pressed consumers’ bills by 40 per cent, around £300, to raise £20billion to fix pipes.

But regulator Ofwat rejected the plan following a stand-off.

Levelling Up and Communities Secretary Michael Gove said: “The leadership of Thames Water has been a disgrace.”

He added: “For years we’ve seen customers taken advantage of by management teams taking out profits and not investing.

“When I was environment secretary I called this out. They haven’t changed their ways.

“I have zero sympathy for the leadership of Thames Water. In my own constituency I have seen how they have behaved in a high-handed and arrogant way towards the consumers who pay their bills.

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