The Rivers Trust response to Ofwat’s Price Review 2024  

"At a time when customers are feeling the pinch, it is essential that this increase in water bills delivers better value for them and for the environment. £104bn of investment, including £24bn to improve the environment, is a huge step up after years of under-investment. It is imperative that money is put to good use, improving water quality and building climate resilience.

"Whilst we are pleased to see our water environment finally getting the financial investment it needs, there are missed opportunities within this announcement. £3bn will be spent on nature-based solutions but, given that these often provide better value for money and more varied benefits than traditional interventions, as well as being backed by customers, that figure could be even higher. That money would go further still if water company expenditure was better integrated with flood risk management budgets and nature recovery objectives as part of a more holistic, catchment-based approach to how we manage our water.

“Record levels of investment must be thoroughly scrutinised to ensure that water company promises are realised. This must go alongside a gathering of evidence so that, when the next Price Review comes around, the industry is ready to supercharge investment and deliver the best solutions for our environment, everywhere.”

Amina Aboobakar, Strategic Development & Stewardship Director