Zack Polanski calls on Mayor to join Thames Water board in push to take back control from failing private water firm

Today at Mayor’s Question Time, Zack Polanski AM called on the Mayor to show leadership by taking a direct role in overseeing Thames Water, just as he currently chairs the boards of Transport for London and the London Policing Board.

 Polanski argued that placing a democratically elected representatives on the board would help rein in soaring costs and ensure decisions reflect the public interest. He pointed to Paris and Berlin as successful examples of public involvement in water services, which led to lower bills, improved transparency and greater accountability.

While the Mayor expressed some support in principle, he stopped short of committing to the move. 

 Reacting to the Mayor’s response, Green Party London Assembly Member Zack Polanski said:

“It’s easy to point out that Thames Water is failing, as the Mayor so often does, but where’s the action to fix it?

“We need democratic accountability and transparency, not just angry soundbites of how terrible Thames Water are.

“That’s why I’ve called on the Mayor to join the board of Thames Water. It’s a model that works in cities like Paris and Berlin and has created a more democratic and accountable board that puts the public good first.

“With the Mayor already chairing Transport for London and the London Policing Board, the question is clear – shouldn’t the Mayor also have a seat the Thames Water table to make sure Londoners’ interests come first?

“This would be the first step in reclaiming our water system from profiteering shareholders who have cashed in while Londoners are left footing the bill for a failing service.”