Vince Cable

According to Vincent Cable MP residents are entitled to £20 a year off their water bill, if they have a soak away - which ensures that rainwater doesn't run into the mains savers. But the water company is doing nothing to inform consumers, most of whom are unaware of their entitlement, and do not receive the rebate.

The issue came to light when a Hampton Wick resident claimed the rebate and backdating; she was granted the rebate but refused the backdating. Vincent Cable took the matter up with the water company, Thames Water, and the Water Regulator, Ofwat: "I discovered that the water companies are concealing from their customers their right to a rebate. They are pocketing millions of pounds which do not belong to them. Thames Water should follow the example of better companies like Anglia which place leaflets in libraries and Citizens Advice Bureau offices and encourage take up. I hope our local residents will insist on their rebates rather than letting the money accrue to Thames Water shareholders who are already enjoying a windfall in profits which they haven't earned."