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Written question asked by Lord Sikka (Labour) on Friday, 4 July 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Friday, 18 July 2025. It was answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour) on Thursday, 10 July 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Water Companies: Fines

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government on what dates (1) Thames Water, (2) Yorkshire Water, and (3) Northumbrian Water, paid in full the respective fines of £104 million, £47 million and £17 million announced by Ofwat on 6 August 2024.

Answer

The Water Industry Act 1991 requires Ofwat to publish a draft decision for consultation if it is going to impose an enforcement order or a penalty as a result of an enforcement case. Following the period of consultation, Ofwat considers all responses received and takes these into account when making its final decision.

On 20 March 2025 Ofwat announced the conclusion of its wastewater enforcement case into Yorkshire Water securing an enforcement package of £40 million to be paid by the company.

On 28 May 2025 Ofwat issued an enforcement order and financial penalty to Thames Water. This was the final decision in two investigations looking into the operations of Thames Water, which faces penalties totalling £122.7 million, including £104 million for the wastewater investigation. This penalty has not yet been paid. Ofwat set out that Thames Water should pay the fine by 20 August.

On 4 June 2025 Ofwat announced the conclusion of its wastewater enforcement case into Northumbrian Water securing an enforcement package of £15.7 million to be paid by the company.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL9143
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Fines Yorkshire Water Northumbrian Water Thames Water
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk