On a side issue, if the water companies have been able to pay £2.85 billion per year, the surely the government can afford to pay the companies this to subsidise water rates so each household pays about £114 less per year, and we can all get a £2,280 water charges rebate.   If the water companies pocket it - ie use it the pay higher dividends, then double, and countinue to redouble the subsidy until it reaches the householders. It will be a win win situation - we pay less, and the tory shareholders become rich beyond their wildest dreams - all at the tax-payers expense.