The government has “no true grasp on the costs” involved in preventing a collapse of Thames Water, which is facing a £10bn deficit, according to The Guardian. 

Rescue measures under discussion among ministers and regulators include placing Thames Water into temporary national ownership in order to secure a refinancing package.

The paper says the package would need public funds and could also lead 

to higher bills for customers. It quotes an unnamed minister who says the government has “no true grasp on the costs” or how much support might ultimately be needed from the taxpayer.