UK government to make unprecedented intervention in setting of water bills
The UK government plans an unprecedented intervention in how water bills are set and how water companies prioritize investments in England and Wales. Environment Secretary Angela Eagle has directed firms to focus on preventing leaks and sewage spills, and to ensure better value for money for customers. This move, part of a broader 10-year plan, will influence the next price review conducted by the regulator Ofwat, expected to conclude in 2029.
Why it matters
This intervention marks a significant shift in government oversight of essential utilities, potentially leading to lower water bills for consumers and improved environmental standards. It reflects growing public and political pressure on water companies regarding infrastructure, pollution, and customer costs, setting a new precedent for regulatory involvement.
Water firms have been told to focus on early intervention to prevent leaks and sewage spills. Photograph: Yui Mok/PA Water firms have been told to focus on early intervention to prevent leaks and sewage spills. Photograph: Yui Mok/PA Water industry UK government to make unprecedented intervention in setting of water bills Exclusive: Angela Eagle tells utility bosses next price review ‘must focus on value for money for customers’
Prefer the Guardian on Google Ministers will make an unprecedented intervention in water bills and how companies prioritise investment, directing bosses to bring down costs and stop leaks and sewage overflows.
Angela Eagle, the environment secretary, has told suppliers in England and Wales she plans to intervene in the next price review – conducted by the water regulator, Ofwat.
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