CAMPAIGNERS slammed Thames Water today branding the service “a complete disgrace” for seeking to dodge fines.

We Own It and the GMB union demanded the water regulator “grow a spine” following reports that Ofwat and Thames Water were negotiating a deal for the private company to avoid fines until 2030.

The proposed agreement would see the water utility’s financial penalties replaced with “undertakings” in the form of a commitment to invest more money into the business.

The controversial plan comes as Britain’s largest water company will run out of cash again in October, when the service could be temporarily renationalised as it faces £20bn in debt.

We Own It director Cat Hobbs said Thames Water has been trying to “dodge fines for sewage for four years.

“The public will be absolutely enraged that Ofwat is even considering allowing this. It’s a complete disgrace.”

Referring to the Channel 4 documentary Dirty Business, which exposed the failings of privately owned water companies, Ms Hobbs added: “People want public ownership and they want it yesterday.

“What will it take for the government to step in and defend households and the environment? Thames Water is insolvent and in breach of its licence conditions since July 2024.

“The shareholders have walked away. Why should a handful of US hedge funds be allowed to rip off 16 million Thames Water customers while flouting the law?”

The public ownership activist warned that any such deal could be a slippery slope and could see other similar companies attempt to get off the hook for regulator sanctions.

Ms Hobbs said: “This deal would set a precedent for all the privatised English water companies to dodge fines.

“It must be stopped so we are asking every MP to sign our open letter to Ofwat and the government saying no.”

Former water worker and GMB activist Cliff Roney agreed, saying renationalisation is the only way to solve the issue.

Mr Roney, who contributed to the Channel 4 documentary, said: “All Thames Water customers know that after years of broken promises on bills, investment, and pollution, the company’s word is meaningless.

“Ofwat needs to grow a spine and not let Thames Water off the hook yet again.

“Renationalisation is the only way to stop bill payers from being exploited and ensure our water industry receives the investment it so badly needs.”