Thu, 27 Feb 2025

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 Public asked for views on how to fix the water industry

Public urged to respond to commission on fixing system in England and Wales - but chairman rules out nationalisation.

* A new independent commission, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, has been set up to investigate and reform England and Wales' troubled water industry.
* The commission will gather views from the public, environment groups, investors, and regulators on how to fix the sector's problems.
* Environment Secretary Steve Reed has stated that the water sector "urgently needs fixing" due to massive sewage leaks, soaring bills, and poor performance by companies.
* The government is seeking private investment to upgrade the sewerage system and reservoirs, rather than nationalizing the industry.
* Regulator Ofwat has allowed water companies to raise bills by an average of £123 per year from April.
* Water companies have released 3.6 million hours of sewage spills into England's lakes, rivers, and seas in 2023, double the amount from the previous year.
* Sir Jon Cunliffe has acknowledged that "trust in the system" has broken down and that there are "serious" and "interlocking concerns" with the sector.
* The commission will examine regulation of the water sector, including how to balance costs for bill payers with investment needs.
* The government has introduced laws to make companies more accountable, including banning bonuses for executives who fail to co-operate with regulators.
* The commission's report is expected in June and will not affect ongoing appeals by six companies against Ofwat's decisions on bill increases.
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