He stated the regulator established at privatisation in 1989 to set limits on family invoice rises will likely be abolished as a part of the “largest overhaul of water regulation in a era”.
He stated: “As we speak I can announce that the Labour Authorities will abolish Ofwat.”
He added: “Within the largest overhaul of water regulation in a era, we’ll convey water features from 4 totally different regulators into one,” he stated.
He stated the brand new single regulator could be “highly effective” and “accountable for all the water sector”, with a transparent mandate to “stand firmly on the facet of consumers, traders and the setting”.
“It should stop the abuses of the previous,” he stated.
“For purchasers, it would oversee funding and upkeep so hardworking British households are by no means once more hit by the surprising invoice hikes we noticed final yr.”
Listed below are a few of the key findings from the report:
The report, printed on Monday morning, advisable abolishing the Ofwat, formally generally known as the Water Providers Regulation Authority, in addition to the Ingesting Water Inspectorate (DWI), which ensures the standard of public water provides.
What key suggestions have been made?
5 of the important thing findings have been:
One built-in water regulator
One change steered is to have only a single water regulator in England and a single water regulator in Wales. In England, this might exchange Ofwat, the present Ingesting Water Inspectorate and water-environment associated features from the Setting Company and Pure England. In Wales, Ofwat’s financial obligations could be built-in into Pure Assets Wales.
It’s hoped it will paint a clearer image in addition to “enhance buyer confidence” within the sector.
It’s steered to usher in eight new regional water system planning authorities in England and one nationwide authority in Wales.
These teams could be made up of representatives of native councils, public well being officers, environmental advocates, agricultural voices and shoppers, and will likely be accountable for water funding plans reflecting native priorities and streamlining the planning processes.
It’s stated there ought to be stronger environmental regulation than what’s in place at current, and it will embody obligatory water meters.
Below the environmental impacts additionally it is steered there ought to be modifications to wholesale tariffs for industrial customers and larger water reuse and rainwater harvesting schemes put in place.
Higher client safety and assist
Below plans there will likely be an upgraded client physique Client Council for Water, transferring into an Ombudsman for Water which might give stronger safety to clients and a clearer path to resolving complaints. Advocacy duties are to be transferred to Residents Recommendation.
The report said there must be a transparent strategic course – and a long-term, 25-year nationwide water technique ought to be printed by the UK and Welsh governments, with ministerial priorities given to water corporations each 5 years.
