← Back to House of Commons Debates
Independent Water Commission
23 October 2024
Lead MP
Steve Reed
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Taxation
Other Contributors: 48
At a Glance
Steve Reed raised concerns about independent water commission in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The Minister Steve Reed announced a comprehensive plan to reform the water industry in England and Wales, aiming to address issues such as pollution, water shortages, and unsustainable bills. He highlighted that fourteen years of Conservative governance led to significant neglect of the water sector, with critical infrastructure failing and waterways being heavily polluted. By 2050, severe droughts are forecasted to leave parts of the country facing serious water shortages, particularly in the south-east, necessitating an additional 5 billion litres of water daily by that year. The government plans include a Water (Special Measures) Bill which would criminalize senior executives for repeated lawbreaking and ban bonuses if environmental standards aren't met. Furthermore, he introduced an independent commission led by Sir Jon Cunliffe to review the sector's regulatory system with support from experts across various fields. This reform is expected to inject billions into the economy, attract global investment, and ensure cleaner waterways.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkely
Question
Moore questioned the delay in implementation of any significant changes, asking for an outline of the timeframe associated with actual recommendations from the review being implemented. He also asked when real benefits are likely to be experienced by bill payers, water industry infrastructure improvements, and environmental protection.
Minister reply
The Minister responded that the announced review will not affect the current price review process '24 but will make recommendations in the first half of 2025. He assured that further details regarding delivery timelines and subsequent legislation would be available on gov.uk.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Question
Labour's announcement lacks ambition, indicating hesitation and delay tactics. The Secretary of State promised radical change but has not delivered anything significant yet beyond what was already announced by the previous government.
Minister reply
The review will reset the sector broken by 14 years of Conservative governance and clean up polluted waterways. It aims to prevent catastrophic failures like those seen under the previous government, with a report due in June.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Question
Water companies have been taking profits and paying out bonuses while failing to invest sufficiently in infrastructure. What measures will be taken to assess the value extracted by water companies?
Minister reply
The review is necessary due to 14 years of Conservative failure that led to significant bill increases recommended by Ofwat. It aims to ensure such failures never occur again.
Tim Farron
Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Question
With the highest levels of sewage pollution in our waters last year, does the Secretary of State understand the urgency for action instead of a commission? Should we not create a new unified clean water authority?
Minister reply
The review will address issues like stripping licenses from failing companies within six months rather than 25 years. The Water (Special Measures) Bill aims to ban unfair bonuses and improve governance.
Torsten Bell
Lab
Swansea West
Question
How will the close working between the Welsh Government and the UK Government affect this announcement for my constituents?
Minister reply
The review is jointly commissioned by both Governments to ensure a model that works within catchment areas, including across England-Wales boundaries. It aims to clean up all rivers, lakes, and seas.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Question
The Secretary of State is quite right to point to the role of the payment of bonuses and dividends in bringing us to this point, but he must surely acknowledge that that is far from being the whole story. There are a number of business and accounting practices in companies such as Thames Water that have brought us to the stage we are at today. If he is serious about having a water system that is fit for the future, he has to understand properly what has gone on before.
Minister reply
I thank the Chair of the Select Committee for the points that he makes. Of course, he is right. The Water (Special Measures) Bill, with its ban on bonuses, will not be sufficient to reset the sector. The reason we have set up the commission is to address financial and environmental sustainability and viability issues.
Helena Dollimore
Lab Co-op
Hastings and Rye
Question
I declare an interest as a customer of Southern Water who lost my water supply for five days earlier this year. As the Secretary of State knows well from his visits to Hastings and to Rye, we have major issues from flooding to sewage to water outages. I welcome the water commission. How can my constituents, particularly volunteer groups such as the Clean Water Action group, have their voices heard?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is a powerful campaigner for cleaner water. The commission will seek to engage the public at large, as well as a wider group of stakeholders who will be represented on an advisory group, which will include a customer voice.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
Question
In my constituency we have beautiful rivers, including the great and mighty River Trent and the River Penk. Over the last few years, as more transparent data has become available, we have been able to see the number of sewage discharges going into those rivers. Will the Secretary of State promise the House that looking at how we can reduce sewage discharges into the Trent and the Penk will be at the heart of what the commission does?
Minister reply
The right hon. Gentleman makes an important point. The point of the commission is to identify ways in which we can strengthen regulation and operations so that we can bring in the investment, clean up our water sector once and for all, and reduce and remove the pollution that is destroying so many beautiful rivers.
Tonia Antoniazzi
Lab
Gower
Question
I congratulate the Secretary of State on the commission that has been set up today—it is absolutely fantastic. Gower was the first area of outstanding natural beauty in the whole of the United Kingdom, and the bathing waters there are second to none, but some of them are less so. I would like to highlight a campaign I have set up to test the bathing water in the winter season, with my constituents, local business and the Gower Society, because data is key—it is what will drive the improvement of our bathing water.
Minister reply
My hon. Friend represents an incredibly beautiful part of the country in the Gower, and her constituents and the many people who visit those beauty spots will want to know that their children can enjoy the water without risk of contamination from polluted water.
Adrian Ramsay
Green
Waveney Valley
Question
The Secretary of State highlights the scandal of sewage in our seas and rivers. Indeed, raw sewage was dumped into our rivers and seas for 3.6 million hours last year. Since privatisation, £72 billion has been paid to shareholders in dividends, while his Department highlights that it would cost £56 billion to carry out the necessary investment, so privatisation has failed as a model for getting the investments in place. Will he therefore confirm that the commission will look at what ownership model for water will be effective in addressing this scandal?
Minister reply
The reason I have ruled out nationalisation is that it would not resolve the problems we face. We see the problems in Scotland, a state-owned water system as well. The problems are those of governance and regulation.
Poole
Question
For the last few weeks, I have been conducting independent tests, with colleagues from Bournemouth University, for nitrates and bacteria in the lovely Poole harbour and the surrounding waters. I have noticed, from talking to colleagues, that the frequency of official testing and the number of sites at which those tests are carried out have been reduced significantly by the Environment Agency over the years.
Minister reply
I recognise what my hon. Friend says about Poole harbour. It is indeed an incredibly beautiful part of the country. I have visited it several times, and sadly, I have also seen the extent and impact of the pollution.
Charlie Dewhirst
Con
Bridlington and The Wolds
Question
The Secretary of State mentioned the importance of drainage in reducing incidents of pollution caused by flooding. Will he therefore commit today, while we await the outcome of the commission, to distributing the £75 million allocated by the previous Government to internal drainage boards?
Minister reply
Unfortunately, the hon. Gentleman is referring to commitments to spend money that did not exist. We are waiting for the Chancellor to announce her Budget from this Dispatch Box in almost exactly one week’s time.
Jessica Toale
Lab
Bournemouth West
Question
Last year, sewage was dumped 57 times along the precious coastline of my constituency—the equivalent of 594 hours of sewage spillages. Our constituents are rightly disgusted by this state of affairs. The Conservatives covered up this scandal for 14 years.
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for her question. I had the pleasure of visiting Bournemouth West with her, and I saw for myself the impact on businesses and tourism in that part of the world.
Lee Anderson
Reform
Ashfield
Question
The use of storm overflows in places such as Skegby in Ashfield is absolutely disgusting and it pollutes my rivers, so will the Secretary of State commit to giving the water companies a deadline for ending their use?
Minister reply
It will be for the commission to look at what we need to do to improve infrastructure and fix the broken system that we have at the moment. We are making sure that every overflow has monitoring on it, so that we know exactly what is coming out of it.
Jayne Kirkham
Lab Co-op
Truro and Falmouth
Question
In my constituency, sewage is polluting the streets and bathing waters. The Conservative party cut funding to the regulator in 2015. Will the Secretary of State confirm that the review will reset the role of the regulator?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for her question. I saw the problems she mentions when visiting Truro and Falmouth during the election. The previous Government failed to invest in sewage infrastructure for 14 years, leading to broken infrastructure. The commission will look at funding and rebuilding this infrastructure at pace. It will also assess regulation and propose improvements so that we have regulation fit for purpose.
Caroline Voaden
Lib Dem
South Devon
Question
In Kingsbridge, residents are wading through sewage during heavy rain due to increased sewage from new houses and ancient culverts. Will the Minister meet me to discuss this chronic problem?
Minister reply
I have already taken action myself, including bringing water chief executives into my office for reforms. I also have the Water (Special Measures) Bill banning undeserved bonuses going through the House of Lords. The commission will propose key changes in governance and regulation addressing the issues raised.
Alice Macdonald
Lab Co-op
Norwich North
Question
Today’s report found that rivers in the east and London have the worst water quality with alarming amounts of chemicals. Will the Secretary of State pay tribute to citizen scientists and ensure their voices are heard?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend makes an important point. Campaign groups and citizen scientists raised awareness on sewage issues. Sir Jon’s commission will have representation from campaign groups and consumers, ensuring public engagement in fixing these problems.
Ben Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
Question
My constituents are being failed by local sewage infrastructure. Given the time it will take for the review to report back, do you agree that we should pause house building targets until the review is completed?
Minister reply
I thought the hon. Gentleman would apologise for 14 years of Conservative Government inaction regarding sewage pollution. My hon. Friend the Water Minister would be happy to discuss these issues with him.
Polly Billington
Lab
East Thanet
Question
Last week, six beaches in my constituency were affected by raw sewage dumping within Environment Agency permitted limits. Will the commission investigate regulatory standards so that fines and punishments are enforced for water companies dumping raw sewage?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for her question. She is a well-known environmental campaigner. It’s clear that regulation has been inadequate. This reset moment will strengthen governance and deliver clean water as expected by constituents.
Ann Davies
PC
Caerfyrddin
Question
Water is devolved, but Wales does not have full powers to address this scandal. Will the commission consider the full devolution of powers over water and sewage licensing to empower the Senedd?
Minister reply
The commission is jointly set up by UK Government and Welsh Government and will report back to both. It will inform actions taken subsequently, including looking at infrastructure and making catchment areas operate better when they cross borders.
Abtisam Mohamed
Lab
Sheffield Central
Question
I welcome the launch of the independent water commission. With 25% rise in bills but continued profits for shareholders, will there be transparency and accountability to reset focus on consumers instead of company profit?
Minister reply
Consumers must have a strong voice on the commission through consumer representation on the advisory group working with Sir Jon. We cannot undo past damage but can ensure it never happens again.
Andrew George
Lib Dem
St Ives
Question
When water was privatised, risk-free emporiums could pollute coasts at convenience. To what extent will company governance be in scope? Can companies move closer to community benefit societies with an environmental champion on each board?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman makes important points. These areas are in scope for the commission. I hope he will make his own representations for these points to be heard and considered.
Hitchin
Question
Residents are disgusted by degradation of rural waterways across east England, including hollowing out reservoir capacity. What assurances can you give that we will beef up regulators with the power needed to take action?
Minister reply
The previous Government deliberately weakened regulators and kept regulation too weak to hold companies accountable or ensure adequate investment for infrastructure maintenance. We have already taken steps through the Water (Special Measures) Bill to strengthen regulators, and the commission will look at governance and regulation root and branch.
Ellie Chowns
Green
North Herefordshire
Question
The River Lugg's catchment has been subject to a planning moratorium for more than five years due to excess phosphates, primarily from agricultural run-off. The current terms of reference for the Government’s water commission and Water (Special Measures) Bill do not adequately address this issue. Does the Minister agree that these need to be changed to include full attention on agricultural pollution?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady is correct; 45% of water pollution comes from agriculture, which is indeed in scope for the commission's work.
Noah Law
Lab
St Austell and Newquay
Question
With Pennon Group paying £112 million in dividends and over £160 million in other finance costs, will the independent commission address whether we have effective funding models for our water industry?
Minister reply
We are looking to reset the model so that it works better for customers and the environment as well as investors.
Alison Griffiths
Con
Bognor Regis and Littlehampton
Question
The year 2 pupils of Bishop Tufnell school in my constituency were disappointed not to be able to swim due to sewage pollution. How will the Secretary of State provide a strategic overview bringing together all agencies involved before winter arrives?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady represents the party that did nothing for 14 years while water quality worsened, which is why those pupils cannot use the sea.
Perran Moon
Lab
Camborne and Redruth
Question
Sewage pollution on Cornish beaches such as St Agnes affects mental health. Will the commission consider the mental health benefits of clean water as part of its work?
Minister reply
The hon. Friend made an important point about mental health, which should be fed back to the commission.
David Reed
Con
Exmouth and Exeter East
Question
Exmouth and Exeter East has been hit by significant sewage issues since his election in July. Will the Secretary of State meet him and South West Water's chief executive to ensure immediate fixes are put in place?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend can feed his views directly into the commission, and my hon. Friend the Minister for Water and Flooding is happy to meet him to discuss local issues.
Calder Valley
Question
Yorkshire Water discharged sewage 4,125 times last year while its CEO took a £371,000 bonus. Will the Secretary of State look at regulations and what water companies can do about flooding?
Minister reply
The Water (Special Measures) Bill will ban undeserved bonuses for failure; the hon. Friend's points on flooding should be fed into the commission’s work.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
Question
Will the new commission consider removing from water companies their responsibility to monitor sewage discharges, or will it let them continue marking their own homework?
Minister reply
Sir Jon Cunliffe's commission will look at regulation roles; mandatory monitoring of all overflows is now required.
Jonathan Brash
Lab
Hartlepool
Question
Sewage has been discharged into Hartlepool’s sea 49 times this year while water companies make billions in profit. Can the Secretary of State commit to putting people ahead of profit in cleaning up this mess?
Minister reply
This sewage scandal affects the entire country, including Hartlepool. The commission will focus on ensuring consumers and the environment come first.
Mike Martin
Lib Dem
Tunbridge Wells
Question
South East Water is 74% in debt and relies on increased customer bills for investment, which is unsustainable. Will the Secretary of State assure me that this commission will make suggestions to reduce water companies' indebtedness?
Minister reply
The commission will look at financial viability; the Water (Special Measures) Bill addresses compensation inadequacies.
Allison Gardner
Lab
Stoke-on-Trent South
Question
Upper Tean has experienced flooding and sewage pollution, killing rivers and streams. Will the Secretary of State assure me that the commission will look at how communities can build resilience against water companies?
Minister reply
The commission will consider all factors; my hon. Friend's points should be fed back to the commission.
Jessica Brown-Fuller
Lib Dem
Chichester
Question
The statement from the Secretary of State is welcome, but passionate campaigners in my constituency will be concerned that a review may delay changes needed to prevent sewage discharges in sensitive sites such as chalk streams. Will the commission set a deadline by which water companies must stop all sewage discharges in these areas?
Minister reply
We know about the dire state of our waterways and need detailed reforms to address them. The commission will provide this information by next summer, and I hope she will participate.
Rachel Taylor
Lab
North Warwickshire and Bedworth
Question
I met with a flood action group who clear culverts during floods. Will the Secretary of State join me in applauding their efforts? Also, will the commission look at how to improve infrastructure for overflow from smart motorways?
Minister reply
We have set up and held the first meeting of the flood resilience taskforce to provide better coordination between central Government and local agencies.
Joshua Reynolds
Lib Dem
Maidenhead
Question
Water company bosses received £9.1 million in bonuses while Thames Water proposes a 59% increase in customer bills by 2030. Does the Secretary of State understand why residents have lost faith in regulators and will he commit to replacing them with stronger ones?
Minister reply
Residents have indeed lost confidence in both regulators and the water system, which is why we are setting up a commission to look at how we can get regulation fit for purpose.
Catherine Fookes
Lab
Monmouthshire
Question
I welcome the announcement but would like the Secretary of State to relook at the River Wye action plan, which failed to include Wales and had no new money. Will he commit to a new plan that uses local groups?
Minister reply
The commission is jointly commissioned by both Governments and will ensure that cross-border issues are addressed properly.
Steffan Aquarone
Lib Dem
North Norfolk
Question
Infrastructure in North Norfolk dates from the 1970s and 80s, which is no longer adequate. Can the Minister confirm that this commission will look specifically at directing investment to infrastructure upgrades?
Minister reply
The commission will seek to establish a system that directs needed investments for infrastructure upgrades.
Danny Beales
Lab
Uxbridge and South Ruislip
Question
Hundreds of residents in my constituency have been flooded recently due to poor regulation. Will the review look specifically at governance and accountability mechanisms between flood management authorities and water management organisations?
Minister reply
We have set up a flood resilience taskforce that will ensure better coordination and I am sure the Water Minister would be happy to meet with him.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Northern Ireland has similar water issues but is in a different scenario. Can the Secretary of State indicate how the review can deliver a UK-wide water service that is fit for purpose?
Minister reply
Of course, it will be up to local authorities to make their own decisions about correcting problems.
Dave Robertson
Lab
Lichfield
Question
My constituency has seen 3,000 hours of sewage spills in one year. Can the Secretary of State assure me that after 14 years of failure from the Conservative party, the commission will leave nowhere to hide for criminal water bosses?
Minister reply
The intention is absolutely clear.
Phil Brickell
Lab
Bolton West
Question
As a whitewater kayaker, I see that both the Environment Agency and Ofwat need to be properly resourced. Can the Secretary of State reassure my constituents that the commission will look at resourcing to ensure that water firms are held accountable?
Minister reply
The commission will identify a model of appropriate and effective regulation.
Louise Jones
Lab
North East Derbyshire
Question
My constituents are disgusted by the bonuses received under the previous Government. Can the Secretary of State assure me that every penny of my constituents’ hard-earned money will be spent where it is needed?
Minister reply
We have announced plans to ring-fence money earmarked for investment so it cannot be diverted for undeserved multimillion-pound bonuses.
Chris Hinchliff
Lab
North East Hertfordshire
Question
Chalk streams in my constituency and across England are of international significance but too often polluted or running dry. Will the Secretary of State assure me that the commission will look at regulation needed to end sewage spills and over-abstraction?
Minister reply
The commission has a wide remit, including looking at damage to the water system which got much worse under the previous Government.
Amanda Martin
Lab
Portsmouth North
Question
Parts of my constituency are affected by floods from drains. Will the Secretary of State ensure that these types of floods are included in the remit of the commission?
Minister reply
We have set up a flood resilience taskforce which is looking at such kinds of problems related to flooding.
Luke Charters
Lab
York Outer
Question
Toothless water regulators have been left up the creek. Can the Secretary of State confirm that Sir Jon Cunliffe will look at scrapping and replacing Ofwat?
Minister reply
The commission will look at how we get to an effective and appropriate model of regulation, including the roles of the regulators.
Connor Naismith
Lab
Crewe and Nantwich
Question
River Weaver in my constituency suffered from pollution last year believed caused by slurry dumping. Can the Secretary of State confirm that engagement and support for farmers to dispose of slurry mix appropriately will form part of the review?
Minister reply
Yes, the impact of run-off from agriculture will be within the scope of the commission’s work.
Shadow Comment
Robbie Moore
Shadow Comment
The Shadow Secretary of State Robbie Moore criticised the Labour government's announcement as a sign of hesitation and lack of ambition. He highlighted that Labour had over a decade to prepare for governance but failed to present clear policies or radical changes promised during their election campaign. According to Moore, the announced measures are less firm than those introduced by the previous Conservative administration and merely rehash existing announcements without delivering immediate benefits. He questioned the timeframe for implementing recommendations from the review and expressed doubt about the government's ability to deliver on its promises.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.