House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Water (Special Measures) Bill
10 September 2024 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Proposed by Emma Hardy Lab Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The Water (Special Measures) Bill aims to address pollution issues in the water sector.
- The bill empowers Ofwat and introduces penalties for polluters.
- It mandates real-time data publication on discharges from emergency overflows.
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.