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Water (Special Measures) Bill

10 September 2024

Proposing MP
Emma Hardy Lab
Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
View on Parliament.uk -->
TAGS
Taxation

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement discusses the introduction of the Water (Special Measures) Bill aimed at addressing pollution issues in the water sector.

Action Requested

The bill proposes to empower Ofwat, introduce penalties for lawbreakers and polluters, mandate real-time data publication on discharges from emergency overflows, and modernize the water industry's special administration regime. A comprehensive review of the regulatory system will follow to ensure long-term stability and transformative change in the sector.

Key Facts

  • The Water (Special Measures) Bill was introduced to Parliament on 4 September.
  • Ofwat will have new powers to establish rules for governance and remuneration.
  • Obstruction of environmental investigation powers becomes punishable by imprisonment.
  • Automatic fines can be issued for certain offences.
  • Near real-time data publication is required from emergency overflows.
  • The Bill modernises the water industry Special Administrations Regime.
  • A review will focus on the private regulatory model and PR24 investment plans.
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