Response to CBI’s analysis of the cost and impact of nationalisation

Responding to The CBI’s analysis of the cost and impact of nationalisation (published Monday 14 October 2019), Water UK Chief Executive Michael Roberts said:

“This important work by the CBI makes an iron-clad case against nationalisation, and is part of an ever-growing body of evidence showing what a bad idea it is. Privatisation of the water and sewerage industry has achieved a great deal over the last 30 years - nearly £160 billion of investment, a healthier environment, better water quality and improved service to customers. Customers are now 5 times less likely to suffer from supply interruptions, 8 times less likely to suffer from sewer flooding, and 100 times less likely to have low water pressure than they were when the industry was in Government hands. Nationalisation would risk turning back the clock to the days when service and quality failures were far more common, and cash-strapped governments wouldn’t pay for the improvements needed.”