Burnham considers more public control over water and energy utilities
8 reported1 unconfirmed
According to a single-source report from The Guardian, incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham is exploring options for increasing public control over essential services such as water and energy. The article states that Burnham’s advisers believe the time has come for public ownership of utilities, with regional monopolies like water and energy distribution networks as particular targets. A spokesperson for Burnham said he wants “stronger accountability and better standards” and is “exploring all possible options for giving the public more control over essential services.” The report notes that the phrase “more control” could range from full nationalisation to a more muscular regulatory approach. The article also highlights the immediate challenge of Thames Water, Britain’s largest water company, which has been on the brink of collapse for several years and is currently in effective control of its creditors. Burnham’s team is reportedly considering a public corporation modelled on Paris’s municipal water company, though any nationalisation could face legal challenges from creditors.
What’s reported
Andy Burnham is considering a 10-year programme of taking control over “the essentials of life,” according to insiders.
A spokesperson for Burnham said he wants “stronger accountability and better standards” and is exploring options for “more public control” over water and energy.
The article states that “more control” can span from full nationalisation to a more muscular approach to regulation.
Thames Water, serving 16 million customers, has been on the brink of collapse for several years and is in effective control of its creditors.
Burnham’s team is considering a public corporation modelled on Paris’s municipal water company.
The Labour government under Keir Starmer has argued that nationalising the water sector would cost £100bn.
A Thames spokesperson said they are working with all parties to reach an agreement for long-term financial stability.
A spokesperson for the group of Thames creditors said: “Nationalising Thames Water is not the right answer and will not fix the company’s complex problems.”
Open questions
The article does not specify which specific options for “more public control” Burnham will pursue, nor does it provide a timeline for any decisions. It also does not clarify how Burnham would reconcile promises to lower bills with the large investments needed for infrastructure and net zero targets.
Key figures
Andy Burnham, incoming prime minister
Feargal Sharkey, former Undertones frontman and campaigner
Mat Lawrence, leader of thinktank Common Wealth
Chris Hayes, economist at Common Wealth
Dieter Helm, Oxford University professor
Tara Singh, chief executive of RenewableUK
Ed Miliband, former energy secretary
Sources: The Guardian
