This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Saturday 20 May 2023
Drip, Drip, Drip
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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