MICHAEL GOVE calls Ofwat’s decision to fine Thames Water £120 million — including £65m to be paid back to its long-suffering customers — “decisive action.”

The corporate giant has “completely failed” in its duty to customers by neglecting to stop leaks, the Environment Secretary admits, but the Ofwat ruling that will see each of the firm’s customers reimbursed the princely sum of £15 over two years reassures him that the system works.

It “shows an ongoing commitment to ensuring that customers receive the service they deserve.”