Failing water watchdog gave staff £500 bonuses

DOZENS of workers at the Government's soon-to-be-scrapped water watchdog pocketed record bonus payments of almost £500 each last year, amid rising public anger at the appalling state of the nation's rivers, lakes and sea.

- By Matthew Davis

The staff rewards came despite Ofwat boss David Black resigning in August after a highly critical report into the water industry.

Figures released this month show 252 staff shared bonuses some in the form of gift vouchers - amounting to £116,850 last year. In total over the past seven years they have shared extra payments totalling almost £750,000.

The Government announced earlier this year it was axing Ofwat after the publication of a detailed report into the operation of the sector by Sir Jon Cunliffe.