Haringey declares No Confidence in Thames Water

Following a Liberal Democrat motion, Haringey Council has unanimously declared no confidence in Thames Water. It also committed the council to requesting that the government place Thames Water into special administration, and made clear the councillors’ opposition to the company’s huge bill hikes and continuing payment of bonuses to senior staff.

The timing of the motion in line with the publishing of Sir Jon Cunliffe’s review into the water system was coincidental, but gave added pertinence to the council’s debate. Speakers welcomed some steps the government made yesterday - for example accepting to the long-term Liberal Democrat demand to scrap Ofwat - but poured cold water on other aspects of their plans: calling for a total rethinking of the water industry model, which was ruled out by Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, and pointing out that the bonuses paid out by water companies have actually continued under Labour’s Water (Special Measures) Act.

The original motion was proposed by the Liberal Democrats and amended by the Labour administration with relatively minor changes, with the final proposal supported by all councillors from all political groups.

Speaking during the debate, Cllr Dawn Barnes (LD-Fortis Green), who proposed the motion, said:
“Thames Water is in a parlous state, and as its forced customers both we and our residents have seen a significant increase in our water bills for a shoddy service. I would say that the money we pay Thames Water goes straight down the toilet, but actually so much of its water - in fact 25% of it - never reaches our bathrooms. Instead leaking across our streets, closing roads and inflicting temporary traffic lights and diversions on all of us to repeatedly ‘fix’ the same leaks over and over again.

“Haringey Lib Dems have absolutely no confidence in Thames Water and believe it needs to be placed into special administration. We hope the council can speak with one voice on this issue.”