RE: Live on BBC - water review21 Jul 2025 09:21
Scrap Ofwat and make water meters mandatory - a snapshot of today's reportpublished at 09:24
09:24
Sir Jon Cunliffe's report, which was released at 06:00 BST, has 88 recommendations on how to transform the water industry in England and Wales. We're still going through it, but here are some key points:
It calls for single integrated water regulators in England and Wales - to simplify the system, and close gaps, with the current regulator Ofwat being replaced
Devolving planning and resources, through eight new regional water system planning authorities in England and one national authority in Wales
Greater consumer protection - including proposals to improve affordability and customer service, for instance through a water ombudsman
Stronger environmental regulation, through changes including compulsory water metering
Tighter oversight of water company ownership and governance - including a new "public benefit clause" in water company licences
Public health reforms, to better manage public health risks in water
Clear strategic direction - with a new long-term National Water Strategy published by both the UK and Welsh governments
Infrastructure reforms - companies should map their assets and ensure water provision and waste management is safeguarded for future generations