Just look at the line-up of Southern Water’s board on the company’s website. Every grandee looking intelligent, earnest, upright and wholesome. A wealth of expertise, the PR blurb tells us. All paragons of virtue, rectitude and integrity? Maybe, or perhaps only some, or even none? Any spivs-in-suits?

Two boasts* from Southern Water’s Code of Ethics reek of shameless hypocrisy:

*”Our Commitment to Doing the Right Thing”, which “underpins everything we do. It ensures openness and transparency.” (But, on their past and current form, their 4.8m customers just don’t believe them!)

*“Customers are what we are here for.” (Don’t they mean “customers’ money”?)

Southern Water insists that customers should be grateful to be paying exorbitant bills so that its directors can enjoy the high life. Ask yourself: would you ever buy a second-hand car from any of these Southern Water grandees?