Water company executives’ total reported pay increased despite a government ban on bonuses for firms linked to serious pollution or financial failures. The disclosure is likely to intensify public and political anger over rising bills, sewage discharges and the financial instability of Thames Water, while raising questions about whether companies are circumventing the restrictions.

Analysis of 14 major English and Welsh water companies found chief executives’ and finance chiefs’ pay rose 1.5% to £25.3m in the year to March, from £24.9m. United Utilities’ Louise Beardmore received the largest package, £2.5m, while Anglian Water’s Mark Thurston received £1.9m including a £500,000 retention payment; eight companies expect to fall under the retrospective 2025-26 bonus ban.