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It seems to me that the privitisation of our utilities by the Tories in the 1980's hasn't benefited anyone apart from those paid a fortune to run these companies and those lucky enough to have had the spare cash to buy shares when they were privatised. It was supposed to bring choice, competition and value but looking at the water companies and those supplying gas and electricity, they are run like a cartel and the choice is to be ripped off by British Gas, N Power, E-On or whoever. One puts prices up and all the others follow in a matter of weeks, where's the incentive to keep prices low? It's not as if you can decide to do without gas or electricity or water. Ofgen and Ofwat just seem to let these companies get away with ripping everyone off. The bastards even get away with charging the poorest with pre-pay meters more. At least if a supermarket is overcharging for food you can shop elsewhere or buy a cheaper option. If cars are too expensive you can get public transport or buy a bike. I don't know what the answer is, as Labour have rid themselves of Clause IV and no longer have any desire to take these companies back into public ownership, but the current set up is a disgrace and a license to print money and pay senior executives ridiculously huge and undeserved salaries. BBC News - Water bills in England and Wales up nearly 5% in April BBC News - British Gas sees profits up 24% *Having a mare today, ignore the been in the poll question.