The water sector has been targeted recently, with public service banks receiving enormous bonuses. These banks, such as Anglian Water and Thames Water, have paid retention payments, a form of payment that is not considered performance-relevant but actually replaces the banned bonuses. The water regulation office accused these groups of 'undermining' regulations, creating the impression that colleagues are surrounded by 'loss pockets'.

The bank Anglian Water paid its CEO Mark Thurston £800,000 in retention payments even though the bank was under shock from the rules on bonuses. Anglian Water will be subject to further monitoring of its governance procedures in response to these accusations. Angela Eagle, the environment secretary, said she wants 'closed loopholes' so that 'the lack will no longer pay'.

The Labour government introduced the entire bank based on popular anger towards the water traffic that occurred in British waters and seas. Additionally, public service banks have increased their salaries in the past two years, even though the bank had received a bank from the owner's relative. This caused a conflict between political authorities and public defense organizations.

The water regulation office said that 'the increasing use of 'retention payments' and large base pay increases without explanation or fundamental proof risks damaging public trust and creating the perception that colleagues are circumventing the rule'. The water workers criticized the entire bank for the fact that public service banks were considered as 'a place where anything can be done without being punished'. The water regulation office promised to accelerate an analysis regarding the regulations, as groups of water companies are accused of 'trying to undermine' the rules.

The water regulation office said it could include in the reformulation of norms also the payments from the parent companies of water companies.