This week, the Competition Appeal Tribunal heard applications for collective proceedings orders (CPO) in the first ever environmental competition law class action brought in England against 6 water companies (Thames Water, Yorkshire Water, Anglian Water, Severn Trent, Northumbrian Water and United Utilities).
The claims allege that the water companies abused their dominant positions (contrary to the Competition Act 1998) by misleading Ofwat and the Environment Agency about the number of sewage spills from their networks into rivers and water ways, which meant they were able to charge higher prices for sewerage services. The claims are seeking damages of up to £1.5bn on behalf of millions of household consumers.
The Tribunal reserved judgment in respect of the applications, which will decide whether the claims are allowed to proceed.
Lucinda Cunningham represented the Proposed Class Representative, Professor Carolyn Roberts at the 3-day CPO Hearing, instructed by RPC.
Rhodri Thompson KC and Christopher Brown are also acting for Professor Carolyn Roberts.
Useful link(s)