Water bosses’ pay rises despite bonus ban and public fury over bills and pollution
Summary
Water company chief executives in England and Wales received higher pay in the past year despite a government ban on bonuses and public anger over water bills and pollution. Some companies used loopholes to increase executive pay, with the highest being £2.5 million paid to the head of United Utilities.Key Facts
- Total pay for water company CEOs and CFOs rose by 1.5% to £25.3 million in the last year.
- The government banned bonuses in 2025 for companies responsible for serious pollution or financial problems.
- Mark Thurston, CEO of Anglian Water, earned £1.9 million, including a £500,000 “retention payment” not classified as a bonus.
- Louise Beardmore, CEO of United Utilities, received £2.5 million, which was £1.1 million more than the previous year.
- Some pay increases were made with “non-performance-related payments” which companies say are not bonuses.
- Water companies face criticism for rising bills, pollution incidents, and poor infrastructure.
- Andy Burnham, a government official, supports stronger public control and possibly government ownership of troubled water companies.
- Customers in many areas face droughts and hosepipe bans amid concerns about water supply and pollution.
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