A report in yesterday’s Financial Times says that the Conservatives are in the process of developing policies to increase competition among utilities – including the water sector.
According to the FT, the new proposals by John Penrose, former parliamentary aide to Oliver Letwin, are intended to “shake-up” the energy, water, banking and broadband markets. A paper to be published later this week entitled “We Deserve Better”, will outline ways to enable customers to more easily compare prices and switch suppliers in key utility markets.
With regard to the water sector, the paper suggests that the market could be unbundled so other suppliers could use pipes, along the lines of that already in place in the Scottish market.
The FT says Mr Penrose’s paper will call for reforms to put “consumers in the driving seat” and argues that regulators such as Ofwat, Ofcom and Ofgem are partly to blame for their lack of customer focus.
The Silvertown Tunnel’s pumping system is reducing the risk of flooding, delays and costly maintenance, while supporting the long-term resilience of London’s transport network, says Ian Ireland, large pumping projects programme manager, Xylem UK.
In a TV show that will explain the complex journey of the wastewater treatment process, Lakeside Equipment Corporation is set to feature in US Public Television’s All Access program with Andy Garcia.
Environmental Services & Solutions (ESS) Expo, the UK’s largest environmental event, has released the full speaker programme for its 2025 event, which now features seven shows spanning all corners of the environmental sector, under one roof at the NEC Birmingham.
We are exhibiting at WWEM – Water, Wastewater and Environmental Management Expo, which is one of the eight exhibitions taking place at the NEC, Birmingham 17-18 September 2025 as part of ESS Expo 2025. Please come along and visit us at Stand WW-S60.
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest.
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video. 
What is to be done about the UK’s failing utilities? Listen to Professor Dieter Helm explore the options to tackle the UK’s failing utilities – Thames Water, the Royal Mail and Network Rail in particular.