Ofwat confirms Severn Trent fine

Severn Trent said it "deeply regretted" its actions

Water regulator Ofwat has confirmed it is fining Severn Trent a record £35.8m for providing false information and poor customer service.

Ofwat proposed the fine in April after finding customers had paid larger bills than needed because of the failings.

On Tuesday, a court fined Severn Trent a further £2m for providing false information on leakages.

Severn Trent bosses blamed "a previous regime" for the misconduct, saying those responsible had left the firm.

The company said it "deeply regretted" its actions but would not take legal action against the former staff responsible.

The Ofwat fine, relating to offences which took place in 2001 and 2002, followed a probe by the Serious Fraud Office.

Ofwat said Severn Trent's behaviour during that period had been "unacceptable".

Severn Trent Water serves more than eight million customers from the Bristol Channel to the Humber, and from mid-Wales to the East Midlands.