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

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.