Ofwat will be abolished as part of an overhaul of a "broken" water regulation system that failed customers and the environment, the Government has confirmed. The dramatic shake-up follows mounting public fury over pollution in rivers, lakes and seas.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed made the announcement in response to an independent review by Sir Jon Cunliffe. The review was commissioned by the Government to address widespread anger over soaring bills, shareholder payouts and executive bonuses.
Single regulator to replace four bodies
Reed said the move would create a single "powerful" regulator combining the functions of four existing bodies with overlapping responsibilities. The new system aims to curb pollution and "prevent the abuses of the past for customers".
The Environment Secretary promised the changes would ensure "British families are never again hit by the shocking bill hikes we saw last year". He committed to cutting water companies' sewage pollution in half within five years.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
