A report out this morning is warning the government needs to set a clearer long-term direction, with regional planning and stronger regulation against water firms’ “monopolies.”
The interim report by the Independent Water Commission recommends clearer direction from government, stronger regulation of water companies, bringing decisions on water systems closer to local communities, and greater focus on responsible, long-term investors.
Sir Jon Cunliffe who led the report said:
“There is no simple, single change, no matter how radical, that will deliver the fundamental reset that is needed for the water sector.
“We have heard of deep-rooted, systemic and interlocking failures over the years – failure in Government’s strategy and planning for the future, failure in regulation to protect both the billpayer and the environment and failure by some water companies and their owners to act in the public, as well as their private, interest.
“My view is that all of these issues need to be tackled to rebuild public trust and make the system fit for the future. We anticipate that this will require new legislation.”
