As the UK swelters in heatwaves driven by the El Nino weather pattern, which has pushed up global temperatures in recent weeks, the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has today launched a new inquiry on heat resilience and sustainable cooling.

The Environment Agency (EA) says it expects all water companies to install smart meters from 2025 and to replace the current basic meter stock.

Ofwat has confirmed new plans that will ensure customers no longer fund executive bonus payments where they have not been sufficiently justified, following a consultation which saw the largest response the regulator has ever received.

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee has invited key decision-makers involved with Thames Water to a public hearing of the Committee on Wednesday 12 July to explain the difficulties facing the company and the water industry more generally.

Anglian Water has paid a monetary penalty of £150,000 following an investigation by the Environment Agency after sewage was released into the River Til.

Water sector regulator Ofwat has issued a statement this evening commenting on Thames Water's financial resilience, saying the water company has "strong liquidity."

The Climate Change Committee (CCC) is warning over lack of Government progress on climate change and cutting emissions, saying its confidence in the UK meeting its goals from 2030 onwards is now “markedly less than it was” in its previous assessment a year ago.

Ofwat has today confirmed its final decision to allow 33 infrastructure schemes, totalling £2.2 billion, with work valued at around £500 million beginning in the next two financial years, from 2023-24. 

Ofwat has launched a new consultation on environmental incentives aimed at supporting water efficiency and more sustainable drainage across all types of new development to achieve sustainable new homes.