In January 2013, it was announced that procurement of the IP was to be delayed because Thames Water needed more time to define the funding model to secure financial assurances from the government. The subject of taxpayer support for the construction of a tunnel was a source of controversy, with opponents arguing that the government should not bear risks associated with the project. In a letter to the "Financial Times" in November 2012, Sir Ian Byatt (former Director General of Ofwat) and politician Simon Hughes MP stated: