WaterShare+

Giving you a greater say in your water.

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WaterShare+ is a unique scheme that rewards our customers when we outperform and gives you a greater say in how we operate.

As part of the scheme, we offer our customers shares in our parent company, Pennon Group Plc, or money off your water bill. 

As well as this, the independent WaterShare+ Panel perform a vital role – they represent customers, meeting with us to challenge on performance, champion customer concerns, and provide assurance on our performance reporting. The Panel are designated as our Independent Challenge Group by our economic regulator, Ofwat.

Find out more about how our Panel strengthens customer involvement in our decision-making processes here.

You can find out more about our Shares offering below

Find out more

Everyone is invited – come along to the Panel’s public meetings.

The Panel’s public meetings are a great way for you to engage and put your questions directly to our senior leadership. 

Where these meetings occur in-person, we bring along staff from specialist teams so that you can learn more about your water. Don’t worry if you can’t make it in person though- the panel hold both in person and online public meetings.

Upcoming meetings

  • 11th August 2026 (Watershare+ Group Public Online)

  • 19th January 2027 (Watershare+ Group Public Online)

Find out more

WaterShare+ meeting March 2023 timeline-2

Find out what our customers think of WaterShare+ events

  • “The whole day was very professional and informative.”
  • “Excellent day, appreciate the whole board being represented show how serious they are to customer feedback.”
  • “The visit to the Alderney Treatment Works was especially appreciated and interesting, allowing better understanding of the process of delivering clean water.”
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You said we did!

WaterShare+ annual reports
WaterShare+ annual reports
WaterShare+ public meeting minutes 2025
WaterShare+ public meeting minutes 2025
WaterShare+ public meeting minutes 2021-24
WaterShare+ public meeting minutes 2021-24
BWCP annual reports
BWCP annual reports
BWCP meeting minutes
BWCP meeting minutes
Other publications
Other publications
WaterShare+ annual reports
WaterShare+ public meeting minutes 2025
WaterShare+ public meeting minutes 2021-24
BWCP annual reports
BWCP meeting minutes
Other publications

Meet the WaterShare+ Panel

Chaired by Lord Matthew Taylor the Panel is formed of 11 members who act as advocates for local customers and other stakeholders. The panel members represent all of our supply areas, including Devon, Cornwall, Bristol, Bournemouth and Sutton & East Surrey.

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Lord Matthew Taylor, Chair

Chair of WaterShare+ Group Panel

Matthew has championed environmental improvement and a stronger customer voice in the water sector over many years. He professionally advises Government, local authorities and the private sector on planning for sustainable communities, community engagement and the wider environment.

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Peaches Golding OBE, Deputy Chair

Deputy Chair of WaterShare+ Group Panel and Chair of Bristol Water Challenge Panel

Peaches is His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for Bristol. She is an experienced Executive and Non-Executive Board member in the private, public and charitable sectors and an Honorary Captain, Royal Naval Reserves.

David Smith (2)

David Smith

WaterShare+ Deputy Chair for the Bristol region

David Smith brings nearly 40 years of experience in the water industry. Prior to retiring four years ago, he served as Asset Management and Production Director at Bristol Water. His career spans several water and wastewater companies, with leadership roles across water quality, production, engineering, and supply operations.

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Nick Buckland OBE

WaterShare+ Chair for the Devon region

Nick transitioned from a successful IT career to a diverse portfolio across voluntary, public, and private sectors. He was honoured with an OBE in 2009 and an Honorary Doctorate in Technology in 2013.

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Dinah Cox OBE DL

WaterShare+ Deputy Chair for the Devon region

Dinah chairs Devon Community Foundation, and is a Non-Executive Director for Devon and Cornwall Police and advises the National Trust. Awarded an OBE in 2008, she champions the voices of vulnerable communities.

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Carole Theobald

WaterShare+ Chair for the Cornwall region

Carole is Chief Executive of iSight Cornwall, with over 25 years of leadership experience in the public and charity sectors. She specialises in strategy, communications, and advocacy, with a strong track record in inclusive engagement and reputation management.

Lisa

Dr Lisa Ackerley

WaterShare+ Deputy Chair for the Cornwall region

Dr Lisa Ackerley is a public health and hygiene scientist and Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner. A Professorial Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health, she brings more than 35 years’ experience across enforcement, central government, academia, consultancy, expert witness roles, and the media. Most recently, she served as Director of Public Health and Hygiene Engagement at Reckitt. Lisa has also advised UKHospitality on safety and has a strong practical understanding of supporting food businesses to operate safely.  

Robert Gould (2)

 

Robert Gould

WaterShare+ Deputy Chair for the Bournemouth region

Robert has been a member of West Dorset District Council since 2004, including a decade as its Leader from 2004 to 2014. Robert recently retired from six year’s service on the Environment Agency Board last year. He also previously served as Leader of Dorset County Council from 2014 to 2017, having been a council member from 2009 to 2017. His wider public service includes membership of the Local Government Association’s Improvement and Innovation Board from 2015 to 2017. Before his career in local government, Robert managed the family farm, following earlier roles in industry and property management.

 

 

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Louise Coulton

WaterShare+ Deputy Chair for the Bournemouth region

Louise is a collaborative senior leader with 25+ years in financial services, including 14 in compliance. She champions ethical governance, regulatory integrity and consumer advocacy across public and social sectors.

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Alison Thompson

WaterShare+ Co-Chair for the SES region, Co-Chair of the SES Customer and Environment Scrutiny Panel

Alison is a Chair and management consultant, a Board Advisor, and teaches at Cambridge University. She brings sharp commercial insight, with a strong focus on future customers and environmental sustainability.

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Steve Crabb

WaterShare+ Co-Chair for the SES region, Co-Chair of the SES Customer and Environment Scrutiny Panel

Steve is a consumer affairs specialist who focuses particularly on ensuring that vulnerable households receive fair and accessible services. He has held senior roles at British Gas and the Alzheimer’s Society and is also an award-winning writer.

Bristol water challenge panel

The Bristol Water Challenge Panel (BWCP) takes on a similar role to the WaterShare+ panel but focuses exclusively on Bristol Water. The BWCP has been the independent challenge group for Bristol Water since it was acquired by South West Water’s parent company, Pennon Group. The Chair and Deputy Chair of the BWCP are represented on the WaterShare+ Group Panel.

In March 2026, the Bristol Water Challenge Panel came to a close as Bristol Water became fully integrated into South West Water. This means that all customer engagement and independent challenge is now brought together through the WaterShare+ Group Panel, ensuring the Bristol region continues to have a strong voice in shaping our services.

Please remember information on this web page in relation to the share alternative under the WaterShare+ scheme is information only and not recommendation or advice. You might wish to consult an authorised financial advisor.

WaterShare+ FAQs

Who is Pennon Group?
Who is Pennon Group?

Pennon Group Plc owns Bristol Water as well as other companies such as South West Water, Bournemouth Water and Pennon Water Services. It is a public limited company (plc), and its shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange. Pennon is based in Exeter in Devon. For information visit pennon-group.co.uk.

Why am I getting this £13?
Why am I getting this £13?

In Pennon's five-year business plans, there's a commitment to sharing its success with customers. Thanks to performance between 2020 to 2022, Pennon will be sharing approximately £20 million with all its customers. This is part of the WaterShare+ scheme, which gives customers the choice between acquiring a share in Pennon Group Plc and a bill reduction, and a greater say in the company and how we are run.

Will I still get £13 if I owe you money from unpaid bills?
Will I still get £13 if I owe you money from unpaid bills?

Yes. We can also help you if you are struggling to pay your water bills – please let us know as various support schemes are available. If you are struggling to pay your water bills, then it is unlikely that the share option is the right choice for you. 

Do I have to pay tax on my £13?
Do I have to pay tax on my £13?

No. However, if you choose the share option – you may have to pay capital gains tax if you make a profit above a certain limit when you sell shares. There could also be other tax consequences, for example in connection with any dividends declared on the shares. Individual circumstances will vary, and you may wish to seek qualified independent financial advice.

How does the share scheme work?
How does the share scheme work?

If you choose the share option, your £13 will be used to purchase Pennon shares listed on the London Stock Exchange. The number of shares will be rounded down to the nearest whole number, which means you may also receive a credit on your water bill to make up for the difference in share price and the amount you are eligible to receive. If the Pennon share price is more than £13 at the relevant time, Pennon may at its discretion top up the amount you’re eligible to receive so that you still receive a share. The shares will be acquired by Link Market Services Trustees Limited, part of Link Market Services, Pennon’s share registrar, who will hold the shares on behalf of participating customers. Customers will then receive dividends and hold voting rights in Pennon Group on the Pennon shares they acquire and be sent quarterly statements on how those shares are performing.

The share scheme is online only - customers need to provide an email address and bank account details. This will allow company reports and dividends to be delivered and processed electronically.

For the Pennon shares option, please be aware that terms, conditions, and risks apply. See the Customer Guide for further details. This service is only available to individual household customers, where the individual is at least 18 years old and a resident in the United Kingdom, is a UK tax resident only, is not a tax resident in any other jurisdiction and is not a US citizen. Please note, nothing in this letter should be taken as a recommendation to take any particular action.

Please note that the value of shares and any income derived from them can either decrease or increase, and you may not get back your original investment. If you are in any doubt as to what action to take, please contact an authorised financial advisor.

Can I sell a Pennon share received under WaterShare+?
Can I sell a Pennon share received under WaterShare+?

Yes, you can.

Can I buy more shares?
Can I buy more shares?

Yes, you can.

What happens if I move home or stop being an account holder after the scheme has started?
What happens if I move home or stop being an account holder after the scheme has started?

If you move to a new home after you have registered your choice during the registration period, then don’t worry. You are still entitled to the £13 credit on your account. You will still also be eligible for the Pennon shares option, provided your new home is in the United Kingdom and you continue to meet the other eligibility criteria for shares.

If you opt for a share – this will be yours until you decide to sell it even if you no longer live in the south west region. However, customers should make themselves aware of certain restrictions that may apply should they hold shares while being resident outside the United Kingdom.

Who is Pennon Group?

Pennon Group Plc owns Bristol Water as well as other companies such as South West Water, Bournemouth Water and Pennon Water Services. It is a public limited company (plc), and its shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange. Pennon is based in Exeter in Devon. For information visit pennon-group.co.uk.

Why am I getting this £13?

In Pennon's five-year business plans, there's a commitment to sharing its success with customers. Thanks to performance between 2020 to 2022, Pennon will be sharing approximately £20 million with all its customers. This is part of the WaterShare+ scheme, which gives customers the choice between acquiring a share in Pennon Group Plc and a bill reduction, and a greater say in the company and how we are run.

Will I still get £13 if I owe you money from unpaid bills?

Yes. We can also help you if you are struggling to pay your water bills – please let us know as various support schemes are available. If you are struggling to pay your water bills, then it is unlikely that the share option is the right choice for you. 

Do I have to pay tax on my £13?

No. However, if you choose the share option – you may have to pay capital gains tax if you make a profit above a certain limit when you sell shares. There could also be other tax consequences, for example in connection with any dividends declared on the shares. Individual circumstances will vary, and you may wish to seek qualified independent financial advice.

How does the share scheme work?

If you choose the share option, your £13 will be used to purchase Pennon shares listed on the London Stock Exchange. The number of shares will be rounded down to the nearest whole number, which means you may also receive a credit on your water bill to make up for the difference in share price and the amount you are eligible to receive. If the Pennon share price is more than £13 at the relevant time, Pennon may at its discretion top up the amount you’re eligible to receive so that you still receive a share. The shares will be acquired by Link Market Services Trustees Limited, part of Link Market Services, Pennon’s share registrar, who will hold the shares on behalf of participating customers. Customers will then receive dividends and hold voting rights in Pennon Group on the Pennon shares they acquire and be sent quarterly statements on how those shares are performing.

The share scheme is online only - customers need to provide an email address and bank account details. This will allow company reports and dividends to be delivered and processed electronically.

For the Pennon shares option, please be aware that terms, conditions, and risks apply. See the Customer Guide for further details. This service is only available to individual household customers, where the individual is at least 18 years old and a resident in the United Kingdom, is a UK tax resident only, is not a tax resident in any other jurisdiction and is not a US citizen. Please note, nothing in this letter should be taken as a recommendation to take any particular action.

Please note that the value of shares and any income derived from them can either decrease or increase, and you may not get back your original investment. If you are in any doubt as to what action to take, please contact an authorised financial advisor.

Can I sell a Pennon share received under WaterShare+?

Yes, you can.

Can I buy more shares?

Yes, you can.

What happens if I move home or stop being an account holder after the scheme has started?

If you move to a new home after you have registered your choice during the registration period, then don’t worry. You are still entitled to the £13 credit on your account. You will still also be eligible for the Pennon shares option, provided your new home is in the United Kingdom and you continue to meet the other eligibility criteria for shares.

If you opt for a share – this will be yours until you decide to sell it even if you no longer live in the south west region. However, customers should make themselves aware of certain restrictions that may apply should they hold shares while being resident outside the United Kingdom.

Important information

References to and details of the customer share offer (the “Offer”) in Pennon Group Plc (“Pennon”) on this website are an advertisement and not a prospectus for the purposes of the EU Prospectus Regulations. The references to and details of the Offer, which have been prepared by and are the sole responsibility of Pennon, have been approved solely for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2020, as amended by Barclays Bank PLC (“Barclays”) on 11 November 2022. 

Barclays, whose registered address is at 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP, is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.  Barclays is acting exclusively for Pennon and for no-one else in relation to or in connection with the Offer and will not be responsible to anyone other than Pennon for the protection offered to clients of Barclays and is not providing, and will not provide, advice in relation to the Offer or any related matter. 

Customers should not elect to acquire the Pennon shares in the Offer except on the basis of the information contained in the customer guide published by Pennon.  You can read the customer guide by clicking on the link on this page.

This advertisement does not constitute an offer or recommendation concerning the Pennon shares. The Nominee Service is provided by Link Group which is a trading name of Link Market Services Trustees Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.  Registered office: Central Square, 10th Floor, 29 Wellington Street, Leeds LS1 4DL. Registered in England and Wales No. 027279260. For further information, including the legal and regulatory status of this company, can be found via this web link.