House of Commons · Westminster Hall
19 June 2025 · 3 other contributors · 2,215 words
Opened by Helena Dollimore Labour (Co-op) Hastings and Rye
Responding minister: Not recorded
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Helena Dollimore raised concerns about priorities for water sector reform in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Calls for major changes including vetting or vetoing of owners, open-mindedness about different ownership models, tighter regulation of financial practices, better oversight over complex business structures, and reform of the price review process.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The report highlights shocking levels of sewage pollution, corporate failures in handling major incidents such as the cryptosporidium outbreak and water outages, and a lack of accountability among water bosses. It also points to an excessive focus on profits over people and environmental stewardship.
Highlights poor performance in asset renewal rates, enforcement and sewage spills by Welsh Water despite its not-for-profit model and low gearing level. Argues for a radical need for renewal across the piece.
Supports exploring co-operative and mutual principles to address issues in private water companies, noting their disregard of billpayers and citizen scientists.
Questions the openness of the Committee towards ownership models but suggests scrapping Ofwat and starting again with a new regulator as part of the solution.