Mayors could be given powers to oversee water companies

Image source, Reuters By Harry Farley , Political Correspondent and Claire Keenan Published 16 September 2026, 03:09 BST Mayors and other local political leaders could be given powers to oversee water companies under plans being considered by the government.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham's plan is to create nine new regional bodies responsible for planning, setting objectives, and holding water companies to account.

The idea, first reported by The Telegraph , external , was a key recommendation of Sir John Cunliffe's Independent Water Commission published in June last year.

Improving the water industry has been a focus for Burnham since he took to power, as water customers in England and Wales continue to face steep bill hikes.

But there has been little detail of what that could look like, short of full nationalisation - until now.