The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will continue its inquiry into drought preparedness in England this week by exploring the role of water resource planning for drought resilience, including assessing the robustness of currents plans and modelling for future supply and demand.

The House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee will quiz Emma Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, on water and environmental regulation during a one-off evidence session on Tuesday 25 November.

The Environment Agency has launched a new consultation on significant water management issues for river basin management planning - the current river basin management plans were published in October 2022 and must be reviewed and updated every 6 years.

Energy Minister Michael Shanks has announced that a first of its kind comprehensive Energy Resilience Strategy will be published next year to future proof the energy system to address the evolving risks the sector faces, including climate change impacts, cyber threats and geopolitical tensions.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has published the 2026 bathing water classifications, which show that the majority of designated bathing waters continue to meet high environmental standards. 97% of bathing waters across Scotland now meet required standards and 82% achieve Good or Excellent classifications.

The Environment Agency is warning that despite some progress made by the water companies in England in reducing leakage and managing water demand, both remain unacceptably high and exceed national forecasts.

Under new powers given to Ofwat, water companies will be accountable not only for listening to customers’ views and feedback, but also for ensuring that these are considered in any decision-making processes that affect them.

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee is continuing its inquiry into drought preparedness in England this week by exploring the impacts of drought on the urban and rural environment, species, infrastructure, and the economy.

The House of Commons, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA)  Select Committee will hear from a number of witnesses tomorrow in a live evidence session as part of its long-term inquiry into climate and weather resilience.