Join us as we dive into major review of ‘broken’ water industrypublished at 04:48 British Summer Time
04:48 BST
Mark Poynting
Climate reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Last October, the government set up the Independent Water Commission, led by former Bank of England deputy governor Sir Jon Cunliffe, to conduct a major review into the water industry in England and Wales.
Today, we’re getting the final report.
It was sparked by growing public concern about sewage spills and rising bills, as well as decades of underinvestment in the sector, with climate change and population growth straining it further.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed, who has described the water industry as “broken”, said that this is the biggest review of the industry since 1989 – when it was privatised.
This is “our opportunity to clean up our water once and for all”, he said.
But the commission won’t consider the idea of nationalising private water companies, Reed said, arguing that it would be too expensive and wouldn’t necessarily lead to improvements.
So, today’s report will only give recommendations. It will ultimately be up to the government to decide what changes it wants to make.
The report is due to be released in about an hour’s time – we’ll be diving into it and bringing you the key findings along with expert analysis throughout the morning, so stay with us.