Campaigners sue Reed over Thames crisis

CAMPAIGNERS have launched a legal challenge over Environment Secretary Steve Reed’s alleged failure to explain when he will trigger special administration for Thames Water.

- By Steph Spyro

River Action claims Mr Reed acted unlawfully by failing to publish a policy on when he will use his power to ask the High Court to put a water company in such measures.

The application for a judicial review comes amid a deepening crisis at Thames Water, which is on the brink of collapse with a £20billion debt.

Emma Dearnaley of River Action said: “Enough is enough.

“Why hasn't the Secretary of State used special administration to fix the water sector, starting with Thames Water?

“Government has the power but won't use it, or even explain when it might trigger this process. That’s a fundamental failure of transparency and accountability — and unlawful.”

A special administration regime, or SAR, is a temporary insolvency and restructuring process for companies providing essential services like water, energy or transport.