Mon, 21 Jul 2025

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 Simon Jack: Will the water industry proposals make any difference?

The Cunliffe report has proposed reforms that are deep and wide, but they will take time to take effect.

* The review proposes 88 recommendations for reforming the water industry in England and Wales
* Key proposals include: + Scrapping Ofwat, the current regulator + Introducing stronger environmental regulation + Minimum capital levels to address excessive debt and dividends + Powers to block ownership changes if not in the company's long-term interests
* The reforms aim to address underinvestment and improve resilience in the sector
* Investment of over £100bn is planned over the next five years, which will result in rising bills
* The review acknowledges that higher future bills are necessary to catch up on past underinvestment
* Other proposals include compulsory metering and public health officials on water planning bodies
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