Government response to Environment and Climate Change Committee report ‘Surviving drought: reclaim the rain’

This is the government's response, published 14 July 2026.

Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.

The government welcomes the Committee's report and responds to 17 recommendations, stating that it accepts most, partially accepts some and rejects two.

• On the Building Regulations (Recommendation 5), it "accepts this recommendation" and is "exploring options" to tighten water efficiency standards; a government response to the consultation is "expected in 2026".
• It rejects making water companies statutory consultees on all major planning decisions, saying strategic issues "are best dealt with at a strategic level". Local planning authorities can consult them on a non-statutory basis.
• It rejects expanding the remit of Internal Drainage Boards, noting they already manage water levels in an integrated way. It has commissioned research on their funding and costs, concluding by summer 2026.
• It partially accepts the call for a prioritisation plan for an emergency drought by autumn 2026. It will review company emergency drought plans, then "consider whether additional guidance or frameworks are needed", and says it would not be appropriate to publish detailed plans in full.

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