UK PM Announces Plan to Lift Ban on Public Ownership of Water Companies
UK PM Andy Burnham unveils plan to repeal privatization ban, aiming for public control of water firms in a 10-year reform effort.
POLICY WIRE — Liverpool, England — UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced legislative changes to remove the long-standing restriction on public ownership of water companies, signaling a major shift in the country’s approach to utility management.
In a speech at the Labour Party conference, Burnham confirmed that Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle will introduce an updated Water Bill to Parliament, with the central goal being the repeal of Margaret Thatcher’s policy that barred public ownership of water firms. This move could lead to temporary nationalization of struggling companies like Thames Water, which is facing severe financial difficulties.
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Burnham emphasized the need for a transformation in how water services are managed, calling for stronger public oversight and accountability. He criticized the current system, where private companies benefit while the public bears the costs of environmental damage. The plan also includes reviewing loopholes that allow executives to receive excessive bonuses despite poor performance, with further details expected later this year.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
