Press Statement: Response to the launch of the Independent Water Commission

UK and Welsh Governments have today launched the Independent Water Commission in what is expected to form the largest review of the industry since privatisation.

Emily MacAulay

23/10/24

UK and Welsh Governments have today launched the Independent Water Commission in what is expected to form the largest review of the industry since privatisation. 

Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive of The Rivers Trust, said:

35 years after water privatisation, this review is long overdue, which makes it even more welcome.  Our rivers have been flatlining for far too long, alongside the failure of our current systems to manage ageing infrastructure and population increase they face huge strategic challenges from climate change and biodiversity decline. Incremental policy tweaks will not fix our water system, and the review must look beyond the water industry to include land and water management in both urban and rural areas. There needs to be much more focus on delivery of cost-effective solutions, through an integrated systems approach.  We will be keeping a close eye on the work of the commission to ensure it considers land use, nature, drought, flood and pollution in concert, because they are all intrinsically linked.  We look forward to working closely with Sir Jon Cunliffe and his team on a new system.”

Read the Government's press release on the launch of the Independent Water Commission here: Governments launch largest review of sector since privatisation - GOV.UK

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