Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 27
27
Acknowledged
Independent commission currently reviewing the water sector's regulatory system, indicating need for fundamental reform.
Conclusion
An independent Commission, headed by Sir Jon Cunliffe, is currently reviewing the water sector regulatory system.91 Defra told us that recognised that the sector needed a “fundamental reset”. Defra told us that the Commission was asked to cover areas including the regulatory system structure for planning as well as strategic planning, what the 84 Qq 80-82 85 C&AG’s Report, para 2.4 86 Q 83 87 Qq 84-85 88 Q 49 89 Qq 17-18 90 Q 9 91 C&AG’s Report, para 7 18 legislative framework looks like, and how to reform regulation.92 The NAO report set out its recommendations with the expectation they would be considered alongside the recommendations of the Commission.93
Government Response Summary
The government agrees the water sector needs a fundamental reset and is considering the Water Reform Committee's recommendations, with next steps to be set out in due course.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government agrees that the water sector needs a fundamental reset and established the Water Reform Committee to provide independent advice on the long-term strategic direction for the sector. The Committee’s final report, published in March 2024, made a number of recommendations in relation to the regulatory system structure for planning as well as strategic planning. The Government is considering these recommendations carefully and will set out its next steps on water reform in due course.