Aldersgate Group reaction: publication of government’s water white paper

Reacting to the release of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ New Vision for Water, Executive Director Rachel Solomon Williams said, “We welcome the regulatory reset that the Water White Paper marks, building on momentum following the Cunliffe Review. Key areas of progress include a supervisory approach to regulation, a commitment to doubling funding for catchment partnerships, and shift in focus towards pre-pipe solutions to reduce pollution at source. The increased time flexibility for water companies in meeting their infrastructure goals relieves some pressure at an important time for the industry and supports an outcomes focused approach.

However, as it stands, today’s announcement does not measure up to the systemic risks facing the water system. Increasing regional water scarcity, growing demand, flooding and competition for skills and resources between the government’s infrastructure objectives could put the brakes on the forward momentum generated by sensible regulatory reform.

We look forward to seeing the proposed 2026 Transition Plan and the water reform bill referenced very soon, ensuring that the blockbuster £104bn in funding in AMP8 lays the groundwork for long-term, sustainable solutions for the water system, including enabling cross-economy businesses to play their part.

ENDS

See the relevant government white paper here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-new-vision-for-water-white-paper