I understand anger at the state of the water industry and at rising bills. Our rivers, lakes and seas are polluted with record levels of sewage and water pipes have been left to crumble into disrepair. Water companies have been allowed to profit at the expense of the British people when they should have been investing in our water systems. This has been allowed because of a broken regulatory system that has failed both customers and the environment.
I welcome the Government’s response to the Independent Water Commission, A New Vision for Water, published in January. It offers a radical transformation of the water industry regulatory framework in England. These once-in-a-generation reforms put consumers and the environment first while building a water system fit for the future. The plans include a new, single water regulator to remove the confusion, duplication and gaps in the current system. There will also be an MOT approach to water company infrastructure, ensuring maintenance checks on pipes, pumps and water treatment works, and a performance improvement regime on water companies to allow the regulator power to step in faster.
I support the plans to reform regional planning to bring together all stakeholders to tackle pollution, manage resources and support housing growth while giving a stronger voice to communities. I also look forward to the introduction of an independent water ombudsman to resolve consumer disputes fairly, water efficiency labels for appliances, and the increased use of smart meters to keep bills affordable. We must also tighten agricultural standards to reduce pollution at source.
I also supported the Government’s Water (Special Measures) Act, designed to help reform the water industry by banning unfair bonuses and ringfencing money for investment. I also stand behind the Government’s actions to require water companies to publish sewage discharge data within one hour of such discharges beginning, and to increase customer compensation where they have been failed by water companies.
In February, 13 new designated bathing sites were proposed by the Government, which will help more people to benefit from safer local places to swim, spend time with family and connect with nature. Last year, 93% of England’s bathing waters met acceptable standards for swimming. The government’s new Bathing Water Regulation reforms came into force on 21 November 2025, designed to change the ‘one size fits all’ approach and more closely reflect how people use our beaches, lakes and rivers.