OFWAT MUST GET TOUGH WITH UNDER-PERFORMING WATER COMPANIES - HUHNE

11.16.05am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 19th Jan 2007

Companies continue to miss their leakage targets, yet pay out record sums to investors.

Responding to the publication of the National Audit Office's report on the performance of OFWAT, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, Chris Huhne MP said:

"OFWAT has failed to get tough enough with the water companies that put shareholder dividends ahead of customer service.

"It is not acceptable that some companies, particularly Thames Water, continue to miss their leakage targets and yet pay out record sums to investors. The regulator must get better at defending consumer interests."