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Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Public Bodies

Asked by Blake StephensonConservativeDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 29 October 2025UIN 84552

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has prepared an impact assessments on the decisions to (a) merge Ofwat and the Drinking Inspectorate and (b) remove the environmental regulatory functions of the Environment Agency and Natural England.

Answered by Emma Hardy

The Government has committed to establishing a single, powerful regulator for the entire water sector that will stand on the side of customers, investors and the environment. The current fragmented approach to water has led to contradictory and competing priorities. The reforms will ensure regulation is in lock step to deliver for customers and the environment. Defra will work closely with the regulators to ensure a smooth transition. Further information will be provided in the white paper.

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