In 2002, Chris Goodall prepared a report for what's now the UK's
Competition and Marketing Authority. In it, he warned that a proposed takeover of Southern Water, by private equity, was distinctly problematic. Goodall predicted the newly privatised water company would maximise its debts, whilst spending an absolute minimum on upgrading Southern Water's infrastructure. He also suggested that new body would focus on shareholder returns and rewarding its CEO. The takeover went through. Goodall's predictions now form the
modus operandi of
all England's privatised water companies (
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/may/20/revealed-warning-to-ministers-over-privatised-water-kept-secret-since-2002). More than 20 years later, in spite of Goodall's request to publish, his report has still not been released. Under the UK's
Freedom of Information Act, 20 years is the maximum period reports are kept secret. It seems likely, however, that the government has mechanisms for stalling release almost indefinitely. Anyone would think they had shares in England's Water Companies?
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