The independent Strategic Panel, the most senior governance group in the Business Retail Market, is warning the Independent Commission’s water sector review led by Sir Jon Cunliffe against returning all but the very largest business customers (using >50Ml/year) to incumbent monopoly providers, making the case why businesses of all sizes should remain in the market.

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will take evidence in person tomorrow from senior officials at Ofwat, Environment Agency and RAPID as part of its current inquiry into the efficient use and management of reactive nitrogen in water and agriculture.

The Competition and Markets Authority has published the first submissions from Ofwat and the five water companies for 2024 Price Review appeals, alongside a significant list of submissions from other stakeholders and a detailed timetable for the redeterminations.

Water UK, the trade organisation which represents all of the UK water companies, is calling for major reform of the water system in its submission to the Independent Water Commission, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe.

New powers under the Government’s landmark Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 have come into force today which could see water company bosses who cover up or hide illegal sewage spills face up to two years in prison.

The National Audit Office (NAO) has today published a highly critical report saying that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and water regulators have failed to drive necessary investment for the sector, which now faces significant environmental, supply and infrastructure challenges.

Two new Bills, introduced as Private Members Bills, both with potentially significant impacts for water companies, are due to have their Second readings in Parliament on Friday this week.