CAMPAIGNERS have accused the government of being “wedded to Thatcher’s failed privatisation experiment,” ahead of the release of the water commission’s long-awaited report.

The commission, led by former Bank of England deputy governor Sir Jon Cunliffe, will present its final recommendations to revive the struggling sector today.

But campaigners have cautioned that the review is unlikely to deliver meaningful changes.

Environmental campaigner Feargal Sharkey said: “We were promised that the report will bring us champagne — but it will just be a saucer of milk.

“Sir Jon’s job is to make the current system better, but so many things have not been considered in his review, such as the ownership of the water companies.”

Ministers notably blocked the commission from considering public ownership as a solution to the crisis.

Its interim report urged the industry to “attract investors seeking low-risk, low-return investment” through “restoring confidence in the stability and predictability of the regulatory system.”

Sophie Conquest of We Own It said: “By excluding public ownership as a possible solution, the government has proven that they are still wedded to Thatcher’s failed privatisation experiment and are committed to putting the interests of investors above the needs of the public.

“The report will point to more regulation, banning bonuses or bigger fines. 

“These are all sticking plaster solutions that the water bosses will continue to dodge and ignore.

“We cannot afford to play around with the fine print while a vital public resource goes under.”

It has been reported that the commission will recommend the abolition of the regulator Ofwat over its handling of sewage spills. 

On Friday, the Environment Agency reported that the number of serious incidents increased by 60 per cent in 2024.

Yesterday, Environment Secretary Steve Reed pledged to cut sewage pollution in half by 2030 and announced that £104 billion will be invested to upgrade crumbling pipes and build new sewage treatment works.

The government is also set to launch a new water ombudsman with legal powers to resolve disputes.

The changes will broaden the Consumer Council for Water’s role, establishing a legally binding consumer watchdog.