Governments launch largest review of sector since privatisation

Independent Commission into the water sector and its regulation will be launched by the government tomorrow ( Wednesday 23 October ) It is expected to form the largest review of the industry since privatisation.

Former Deputy Governor of the Bank of England , Jon Cunliffe , will chair the Commission .

Commission will report back next year with recommendations to the Government .

In just 70 days , the Government also introduced the Water (Special Measures ) Bill , which sets out tough new measures to crack down on water companies failing their customers.

This includes: - Bringing criminal charges against persistent lawbreakers, including imprisonment.

- Strengthening regulation to ensure water bosses face personal criminal liability for lawbreaking.

- Giving the water regulator new powers to ban the payment of bonuses if environmental standards are not met.

- Boost accountability for water executives through a new code of conduct’ for water companies, so customers can summon board members and hold executives to account.

This is a great opportunity for the water sector to play a part in the Government’s mission of national renewal.

Joan Edwards , Director Policy and Public Affairs at The Wildlife Trusts , said: This review comes not a moment too soon, given the precarious and polluted state of our waters and the looming threat of future water shortages.