Environmental campaigners and consumer groups have delivered sharply contrasting responses to a landmark report calling for sweeping changes to England's water industry. The reactions highlight deep divisions over whether proposed reforms go far enough to address the sector's mounting problems.
Mike Keil, chief executive of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), said public trust in water companies had been "drained" by poor environmental performance and wider service failures. He warned that water companies have always had the freedom to do what's right by their customers, yet many have made bad choices.
Affordability concerns mount for households
Keil emphasised that affordability must be a key focus of reform, with households already struggling following this year's sharp rise in water bills. More people are turning to CCW to complain about not being able to afford their bill, he revealed.
Over two in five households have told the organisation they've cut spending on essentials like food to make ends meet. "The case for a single social tariff for water has never been more urgent," Keil said.
Ombudsman scheme changes welcomed
He welcomed recommendations to make the existing voluntary ombudsman scheme mandatory. "We're delighted the Commission has recommended building on our work at a time when we're seeing more people turn to us for help," Keil said.
However, River Action chief executive James Wallace accused the Commission of falling short, saying it had "blinked" when faced with a chance to break with the past. This was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reset a broken and corrupted system, he argued.
Campaigners demand public control
Wallace said the report offered only "vague policy nudges that leave the current failed privatised water company model intact". He insisted nothing less than "a credible plan to rescue Britain's rivers, lakes and seas" was needed, including a clear path to bring "failing companies like Thames Water into public control".
He called on the Government to put Thames Water into special administration as a "powerful statement of intent". "Our water is our life-blood and not for sale," Wallace warned.
Industry welcomes reform proposals
In contrast, Water UK, the trade body for the water companies, welcomed the Commission's findings, calling reform "long overdue". A spokesperson acknowledged that everyone agrees the system has not been working.
"These recommendations should establish the foundations to secure our water supplies, support economic growth and end sewage entering our rivers and seas," the spokesperson said.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
