The interim findings from the Independent Water Commission have been published today (Tuesday 3 June) ahead of its final report this summer.

Sir Jon Cunliffe, Chair of the Commission, has set out five areas where he believes wide-ranging and fundamental change is needed to reset the water sector in England & Wales.

These include clearer direction from government, stronger regulation of water companies, bringing decisions on water systems closer to local communities, and greater focus on responsible, long-term investors.

The Commission’s full conclusions and detailed recommendations will be published later in the summer.  This interim report sets out the Commission’s preliminary conclusions and direction of travel; several key decisions will be covered in the final report.

The findings are informed by the Commission’s Call for Evidence, which ran from 27 February – 23 April and received more than 50,000 responses from the public, campaigners, industry, the regulators and many others.

Sir Jon Cunliffe said:

“There is no simple, single change, no matter how radical, that will deliver the fundamental reset that is needed for the water sector.

“We have heard of deep-rooted, systemic and interlocking failures over the years – failure in Government’s strategy and planning for the future, failure in regulation to protect both the billpayer and the environment and failure by some water companies and their owners to act in the public, as well as their private, interest.

“My view is that all of these issues need to be tackled to rebuild public trust and make the system fit for the future. We anticipate that this will require new legislation.”