Failure of Thames Water inevitable, says MP

An MP has questioned the ability of a water company to lead a project to build a new reservoir, to supply 15 million people in the south east.

During a Westminster debate into the future of Thames Water on Tuesday, Layla Moran, Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, called the failure of the company "inevitable".

Thames Water said it was "committed to making the reservoir a reality."

A consultation into plans for the South East Strategic Reservoir Option, near Abingdon, will close next week. Thames Water hope to start building the facility in 2029, with the reservoir operational from 2040.

A spokesperson said the company was embarking on "the biggest upgrade of its network in 150 years" and is reinvesting more than £20 billion "to meet commitments to customers and the environment."

But Moran questioned whether the water company would be able to continue with the project, asking if the government was prepared for "the inevitable failure of Thames Water."

Moran said with bills rising by more than a third and "a litany of failings", she didn't trust Thames Water "to run a bath, let alone a project of this magnitude".

The reservoir could cost up to £7.5bn with customers of Thames Water, Affinity Water and Southern Water all due to pay for the new reservoir through their bills.

According to the water company, more than 1,200 people have taken part in engagement events since October. Almost 900 consultation responses have so far been submitted.

The company describes the consultation as a "critical step for the project" with responses helping to shape the Development Consent Order application that Thames Water will submit to the Secretary of State later this year.

The company described the reservoir as "of national importance in securing future water supply for the south east," saying it is "committed to making the reservoir a reality."

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