𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Labour’s plans to clean the nation’s rivers lack the “bold reform” needed to tackle the UK’s “freshwater emergency”, campaigners warned. Water companies will be required to carry out infrastructure “MOTs” to prevent major failures, under proposals for a new industry watchdog. These will include health checks on their infrastructure, to identify crumbling pipes or issues at sewage treatment works.

The hope is that disasters such as South East Water’s pipes bursting in cold weather, which recently left thousands of homes without supply, are identified beforehand. A chief engineer will also sit inside the new water regulator for the first time in two decades, bringing back hands-on checks of infrastructure so that firms “are not marking their own homework”. The plans form part of the Government’s response to public fury over rising bills, sewage pollution and large bonuses for bosses.

But James Wallace, chief executive of campaigners River Action, said: “The Government recognises the scale of the freshwater emergency, but lacks the urgency and bold reform to tackle it.

“Proposals for a new water regulator, including the appointment of a Chief Engineer, alongside infrastructure ‘MOTs’ and no-notice inspections of water companies, are welcome steps, provided the regulator is truly independent, equipped with real powers and funded by The Treasury to hold polluters to account.

“However, major gaps remain. None of these reforms will make a meaningful difference unless the failed privatised model is confronted head on. Pollution for profit is the root cause of this crisis, yet the White Paper is vague on when the Government will step in to take control of failing water companies. Clear, published triggers for Special Administration are essential, and a commitment to restructure water company investment and ownership, prioritising public benefit and environmental performance.”

Existing regulator Ofwat is unlikely to be axed before 2027, and the process to establish the new regulator will be complex – meaning it is unclear when it will start operating.

But the Government will say today that it will set out a transition path in the coming months, with new legislation for the system to take effect.

Liberal Democrat environment spokesman Tim Farron warned the country needs a “serious refit” of the water sector, adding “this plan isn’t it.”

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: “These are once-in-a-generation reforms for our water system – tough oversight, real accountability, and no more excuses.

“Water companies will have nowhere to hide from poor performance, customers will get the service they deserve, and investors will see a system built for the future.

“This builds on the tough action we’ve already delivered, from record investment to banning unfair bonuses.”

Philip Duffy, chief executive of the Environment Agency, called the Water White Paper “a key milestone in turning around our water system”.

Chris Walters, Ofwat’s interim chief executive, said: “The creation of a new water regulator for England will bring a renewed focus, improve the sector for customers, investors and the environment, and rebuild trust. In the meantime, our work continues.”

A Water UK spokesman said: “The focus must now shift from diagnosis to delivery. Our country will not have the environment it wants or the economic growth it needs until a new water regulator is established.”