WATER BILL INCREASES INSULT TO LONDONERS - TUFFREY

11.14.54am GMT Thu 2nd Dec 2004

Commenting on the decision by Ministers to allow Thames water to increase their bills by 24% in the next six years from an average of £210 to £261 for water and sewerage, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, Mike Tuffrey, 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 have made huge profits, given big dividends to shareholders and paid large salaries to directors. With water bills rocketing well above inflation over the next six years, it is the hard-pressed public who are now being forced to pay for years of neglect.

"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 big profits, it is the customer who is being asked to pay for the improvements."

ENDS