Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Independent Water Commission

21 July 2025 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Proposed by Steve Reed Lab Co-op Streatham and Croydon North

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Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • The Independent Water Commission has published its final recommendations for reforming the UK's water sector.
  • The government proposes to replace Ofwat with a single water regulator overseeing the entire water system.
  • A White Paper and a new water reform bill will be introduced early in parliament to implement these changes.

Issue summary

The statement discusses the publication of the Independent Water Commission's final recommendations for reforming the UK's water sector.

Action requested

The government proposes replacing Ofwat with a single water regulator responsible for the entire water system, merging its functions with those of other environmental bodies. This will be followed by a White Paper and a new water reform bill introduced early in parliament to implement these changes.

Key facts

  • The Independent Water Commission published final recommendations on October 23.
  • Ofwat will be replaced by one single regulator for the entire water system.
  • The Government plans to introduce a new water reform bill early in this parliament.
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