Ofwat has today announced the final decision in two investigations looking into the operations of Thames Water, who will face penalties totalling £122.7m. These will be paid by the company and its investors, and not by customers.

Alistair Carmichael MP Chair of the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, has written separately to Thames Water Chair Sir Adrian Montague and CEO Chris Weston to ask for further clarification of the information they provided when they appeared before the Committee in person on 13 May in an uncomfortable session as part of its ongoing inquiry into reforming the water sector.

The Environment Agency has published updated guidance for water companies on preparing their Drainage and Sewerage Management Plans (DWMPs).

The Government has confirmed that paying bonuses in the form of retention payments to senior executives are not an an option for Thames Water, following comments by water company Chair Sir Adrian Montague when he appeared before the House of Commons Select Committee for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) last week.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) have announced that a record 81 criminal investigations into water companies have been launched in England over the last nine months since since the general election.

Defra Secretary of State the Rt Hon Steve Reed MP will appear in person before the House of Commons Select Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs tomorrow where he will face questions on the water sector and the situation at Thames Water.