South Oxfordshire District Council has unanimously voted

This comes after a motion was passed on October 24, expressing a lack of confidence in the water provider.

The council members have raised concerns over Thames Water's environmental and financial mismanagement, as well as their failure to meet key operational standards.

The motion, proposed by Councillor Jo Robb and seconded by Councillor Andrea Powell, calls for government intervention through the Water Industry Act 1991.

This act allows for companies to be placed into special administration when they are in financial distress or fail to meet essential duties.

The council members pointed out that Thames Water's record in South Oxfordshire highlights the need for immediate action.

In 2024 alone, untreated sewage has been discharged into the River Thames or its tributaries for more than 15,500 hours.

This pollution is seen as a symptom of deeper issues within the company, with nearly two-thirds of Thames Water's sewage treatment facilities reportedly out of compliance with regulatory permits.

The company also loses about a quarter of the region's public drinking water supply due to leaks.

Additionally, Thames Water is struggling to manage an £18 billion debt, leading credit agencies Standard & Poor's and Moody's to downgrade the company's debt rating to 'junk' status.

The council's motion calls for an end to water industry privatisation, describing it as a 'failed experiment' that has increased financial and environmental risks.

South Oxfordshire District Council is also supporting amendments to the Water (Special Measures) Bill, which is currently progressing through Parliament.

These amendments include halting any public bailouts for the water industry, restructuring Ofwat's duties to prioritise public and environmental interests, and re-democratising water company boards to include employees, bill payers, and council representatives.

Councillor Jo Robb said: "The performance and priorities of Thames Water have clearly failed our residents, our environment and our trust.

"There is significant public and political sentiment for reform of the country’s water supplies and bringing Thames Water back under public control is essential if we truly wish to protect water supplies in the South East and restore accountability."

Councillor Andrea Powell added: "Privatisation of water services has not delivered on its promises and it’s vital that we stop putting shareholders before the environment and public health and place this resource back into the hands of the public."

The meeting also saw the council to resolve a motion on supporting community effort to retain pubs, review of local government funding and delivering Net Zero.