A Historical review in the UK water sector Between many other changes, a major overhaul is recommended for the way water companies in the country regulate.
The important and widespread report of the Independent Water Commission underlined the UK and Welsh governments 88 recommendations for moving around the sick industry.
Pre -leadership Bank of England Sub -Governor Sir John Qunalif, the review states that the current system is “failing to give a lot of society demand and expectations for the economy.”
The industry has faced criticism to see large amounts paid to shareholders, while standards have fallen over the years since privatization of water companies.
Campares have speculated that since 1989 – when companies were privatized – £ 85BN has been extracted from the water sector in dividends and other payments.
YesOverflow It is said that it supports the review and considering a piece of primary law to distribute many of the proposed changes.
Here are the major remedies recommended in the report:
Scrap the overhaul regulation
The review recommended overhale of regulators and replacing them with a body for England and a body for Wales.
For England, it will see Fear And drink Water Inspector was abolished, and removing environmental regulation for the environment agency and natural England.
Instead, a “included” and “powerful” single integrated water regulator will be installed.
In Wales, Tot’s economic responsibilities will be integrated into natural resources Wales, stated in the review.
Establishment of regional planning officers
Eight new regional water system planning officers in England and a National Authority should be established in Wales, the review states.
This would include incorporating current planning responsibilities and transferring resources to these new officers from regulators, which would be responsible for developing water investment plans showing local priorities and voices.
Introduction to strong consumer safety
The Commission has recommended measures such as measures such as measures to expand the role of a voluntary consumer council in a Lokpal to provide strong security to the customers.
It also proposes the introduction of a national social tariff to provide consistent assistance to low -income customers, which require help to pay Bill And to transfer responsibility for consumer advocacy for the advice of citizens.
Strong environmental rules
The report proposes strong regulation on abstract, mud, drinking water standards and water supply.
It also recommends improving the process where companies collect and analyze waste water discharge by presenting more digitization, automation, third-party assurances and inspections.
After one of the most dried springs on records, it recommends compulsory water measurement, for industrial users changes in bulk tariffs and reuse of more water and rainwater harvesting plans.
Care of ownership and governance of water company
The Commission recommends the new regulatory powers to block changes in the ownership of the water company, for example, where investors are not seen giving priority to the company and its customers’ long -term interests.
It also suggests new “public advantage” segments in the water company license and recommends the regulator to set “minimum capital” requirements so that companies are less dependent on debt and are more financially flexible.
Public health reform
The report involves legislative improvements to better manage public health risks in water, which many people enjoy swimming, surf and enjoy other water-based activities.
These include public health objectives in water quality law, senior public health representation on regional water planning officers, and legislative changes to address emerging pollutants such as PFA, also known as chemicals, microprolutants and microplastic forever.
Fundamentally resetting economic regulation
This recommendation includes a new “supervisory” approach that supports sequential decisions and earlier interventions in the inspection of the water company.
The report also makes recommendations on the price review process, including changes to ensure that companies are investing in property and maintaining assets and helping to attract long -term, low -risk investment.
Give a clear strategic direction
The Commission said that both UK and Welsh governments should publish a new long -term national water strategy with 25 years and minimum horizon of interim milestones.
It also states that a group of priorities of the minister, especially for the water industry, should be issued to regulators every five years, replacing the current strategic policy statement.
Infrastructure and asset health improvement
Changes in the report have been determined how the infrastructure of water is managed, monitored and given the provision of waste water water and management for future generations to better protect the provision.
They include new requirements to map companies and assess their assets – such as pipes, treatment work and pumping stations.
This flexibility also says for standards that are visible further and are constantly applied throughout the industry.
