Report calls for reforms in water sector

A report by Sir Jon Cunliffe has published its final recommendations to reform the water sector. The report sets out a roadmap for change within the sector, including:

• Formation of a single water regulator in England and in Wales

• Developing regional water system planning authorities

• Improving affordability and customer service by forming an Ombudsman for Water

• Stronger environmental regulation and enhanced legislation

• Enhanced oversight of water companies

• Public health reforms

• A new supervisory approach to economic regulation to allow for earlier interventions into water company oversight

• Development of a new ‘National Water Strategy’ setting out the roadmap for a minimum of 25 years

• Infrastructure and asset health reforms