VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Ofwat: Equality

Asked by Charlie DewhirstConservativeDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 14 July 2026UIN 15570

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 22 June 2026 to Question 9341 on Ofwat: Equality, for what reason Ofwat was not requested to report EDI spending details prior to that reporting period.

Answered by Emma Hardy

Defra and its arm’s-length bodies did not begin reporting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) expenditure until 2025/26, after internal processes for collecting and reporting this information had been established. As a result, Defra did not ask Ofwat to report EDI expenditure in 2024/25.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim