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Water Companies

Asked by Edward MorelloLiberal DemocratDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 21 May 2025UIN 51265

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of adopting a not-for-profit model for water companies in England.

Answered by Emma Hardy

The Independent Water Commission, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, will recommend reforms to reset the water sector regulatory system and is expected to form the largest review of the industry since privatisation. It is considering a wide range of areas, including different water company ownership models, as set out in the Commission’s Call for Evidence. The Commission is expected to publish its recommendations later in the summer.

The Commission is also looking at the broader strategic planning framework in England and Wales to support more integrated planning and coordination between different sectors. On regional governance, the Commission is considering options for an authority working at a national, regional or catchment level to support better and more coordinated planning on water.

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