Water bosses’ pay rises despite bonus ban and public fury over bills and pollution

Water company executives have received multi-million-pound pay increases over the past year, despite government bonus bans and widespread public outrage regarding pollution and bills. The Guardian reports that eight companies expect the ban to apply for 2025-26. Notably, Anglian Water chief executive Mark Thurston received £1.9m, which included a £500,000 retention payment. These significant salary hikes occurred amidst ongoing scandals and official restrictions on bonuses within the water industry sector.