A major review recommends replacing Ofwat, the Drinking Water Inspectorate, and the Environment Agency with a new water regulator for England and Wales. This comes in light of scandals related to sewage spills and financial mismanagement. Thames Water, burdened with £20 billion in debt, is a significant concern, possibly facing temporary nationalisation. The review calls for a regulator with powers to manage failing companies and proposes an ombudsman to assist consumers. Insufficient staff are currently protecting drinking water safety, posing future challenges against pollutants.
Cunliffe's review suggested a new regulator, with powers to direct, or take control of, failing water firms, addressing the ongoing issues in the water sector.
The report found that there are just 58 members of staff charged with protecting the safety of the country's drinking water, indicating a significant lack of resources.
Critics have said Ofwat has presided over a culture of underinvestment in infrastructure and financial mismanagement by water companies since its creation.
The government is expected to adopt the recommendation to create an ombudsman with legal powers to compensate consumers failed by the water industry.
#water-regulation #environmental-policy #infrastructure-investment #consumer-protection #sewage-management
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