US Edition
Final report into 'broken' water industry says regulator Ofwat should be scrapped
ENGLAND AND WALES, JUL 21 – The government plans to replace Ofwat with a new integrated regulator and water ombudsman, backed by a £104 billion investment to tackle pollution and infrastructure issues.
- On Jul 21, 2025, Sir Jon Cunliffe's review urged scrapping Ofwat and merging its functions across England and Wales.
- Since its 1989 privatisation, the water industry has sparked public fury, record pollution incidents exposed failures, and privatisation since 1989 fuelled calls for reform.
- The review identifies 88 recommendations for a sector reset, including new regional planning authorities and a formal turnaround regime under regulatory forbearance, as per Sir Jon Cunliffe.
- Following the review's release, the government accepted the proposals, pledging to fast-track Ofwat's abolition and consult on new legislation, Steve Reed said.
- Consultation on a Water Reform Bill is set for this autumn following the report, with a full response and White Paper due later this year.
133 Articles
133 Articles
Public ownership only answer to water industry crisis not another failed regulator, Unite the union warns
Unite the union, Britain’s leading trade union representing water industry workers, has warned that public ownership is the only answer to the water industry crisis not another failed regulator. It comes after the publication of a once-in-a-generation review of the water industry, which called, among its recommendations, for a new single integrated regulator to replace existing water watchdogs, mandatory water metering, and a social tariff for v…
Political opinion with Kieran Mullan MP: Government must present a clear and credible plan for water
Having clean water is important to everyone in the UK, especially for coastal communities such as ours. Whether you are wanting to go into the sea on a sunny afternoon or running a business that relies on tourism – when our waters are polluted it affects us all.
A study report draws a gloomy picture of the water supply privatized in England since the 1980s: uneconomicity, disregarded environmental standards, leaks and poor water quality.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 61% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
