UNISON calls Thames Water tax rip off a disgrace

UNISON, the UK’s largest union today branded the news that Thames Water do not pay corporation tax a disgrace.

The private equity-owned company has paid more than £200 million in dividends this year and posted profits worth more than £500 million. Customer satisfaction has fallen, bills have risen by 6.7%.

Dave Prentis UNISON general secretary, said:

“This is a disgrace. Since privatisation, water companies have been ripping off consumers, pushing bills up much higher than inflation. Now we know they are ripping off the taxpayer too. It is time for the government to think again about who owns the water industry. The current private monopoly is the worst of both worlds. We need a root and branch review to make sure the industry is run in the interests of consumers not profits.”

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