Petition · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Ban water company bill hikes & reduce shareholder dividends to fund repairs
Open for signatures
220 signatures
What the petition asks
We ask the Government to require Ofwat to ban water companies from increasing charges for customers for historic underinvestment where profits were paid to shareholders. Repairs to be paid by reducing shareholder dividends before bill increases.
Water companies operate as regulated monopolies, meaning customers can find it difficult to switch provider or avoid price rises. In the last year, many customers have faced sharp bill increases to fund infrastructure repairs following long-term underinvestment. Where profits were paid instead of investment, we believe it is unfair for customers to fund these historic failures. Regulation should prioritise affordability, fairness and consumer protection.
Timeline
| 20 Feb 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
220
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened
20 Feb 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.