Major review calls for Ofwat to be scrapped as water bills set to soar 30% in next five years Sir Jon Cunliffe’s review recommended scrapping Ofwat The Independent UK · Jul 21, 2025
Ofwat to be abolished as government takes forward five recommendations to address water’s ‘Great Stink moment’ – as it happened England and Wales’s water industry requires ‘fundamental reform’ to address the problems that have dogged the sector, Independent Water Commission says The Guardian - UK · Jul 21, 2025
Overhaul water regulators into one single body, landmark review recommends The much-anticipated final report of the Independent Water Commission was published on Monday morning. Evening Standard · Jul 21, 2025
Water industry faces ‘root and branch reform’ after landmark review Environment Secretary Steve Reed is widely reported to be preparing to abolish regulator Ofwat. Evening Standard · Jul 20, 2025
Water industry review unlikely to spark required change, claims Feargal Sharkey The campaigner accused water companies of treating customers with ‘contempt’. Evening Standard · Jul 20, 2025
Government launches water ombudsman to boost consumer protection Environment secretary promises ‘the biggest overhaul of water regulation in a generation’ The Independent UK · Jul 20, 2025
Water ombudsman to be created amid sweeping changes in England and Wales Environment secretary to make announcement on Monday as part of review that is expected to abolish Ofwat The Guardian - UK · Jul 20, 2025
Water bills to see ‘small, steady’ rise despite reform plans, says Reed But the Environment Secretary has promised that families will never again see ‘huge shock hikes’ to their bills. Evening Standard · Jul 20, 2025
Government prepares for release of landmark review into ailing water sector The Independent Water Commission will outline its final recommendations to tackle systemic issues in the industry. Evening Standard · Jul 19, 2025
Ministers to pledge ‘root and branch reform’ of water industry Water bills rose by an average of 26% in April, with the cost of repairing long-neglected infrastructure said to be a significant factor. Evening Standard · Jul 18, 2025
Ofwat ‘to be abolished and replaced with new water regulator’ The environment secretary previously said abolishing the regulator is an option The Independent UK · Jul 18, 2025
Ofwat to be abolished as ministers look to create new water regulator Move follows intense criticism of utilities over sewage spills, shareholder payouts and ballooning debts The Guardian - UK · Jul 18, 2025
Investors stripping cash from water firms ‘criminal’ says ex-Wessex Water chief Campaigners and experts debated on whether utilities should be nationalised as ministers seek to ‘reset’ the failing sector. Evening Standard · Jul 8, 2025
Independent water commission chair denies probe into reforms is ‘tinkering’ The largest review of the water sector since privatisation has come under criticism for not going far enough to ensure systemic change. The Independent UK · Jun 17, 2025
The Guardian - UK · Jun 3, 2025 Hapless Thames Water is finally drinking in the last chance saloon Can troubled UK utilities company find any willing suitors after KKR’s 11th-hour abandonment of £4bn bid?
Evening Standard · Jun 3, 2025 Water sector suffering from ‘deep-rooted’ failures, review warns The Government-commissioned review calls for reform of laws, regulation and company management and infrastructure.
The Guardian - UK · Jun 3, 2025 Water industry in England and Wales needs ‘fundamental reset’, review finds Report finds ‘deep-rooted, systemic’ failures that need stronger regulation, but critics say it is not bold enough
The Guardian - UK · Jun 3, 2025 Bank of England governor warns Trump tariffs have ‘blown up’ global trade system – as it happened Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news, as MPs quiz the Bank of England about interest rates, and trade wars
The Guardian - UK · May 8, 2025 Average water bills likely to hit £2,000 a year by 2050, says Ofwat Customers in line to pick up cost of vital investment and river cleanups, regulator tells inquiry
The Fashion Central · Mar 2, 2025 BBC Breakfast's Carol Kirkwood Stunned Live On Air After Co-Star's Shocking Jibe! Carol Kirkwood was left momentarily taken aback when her BBC Breakfast co-presenter, Naga Munchetty, playfully teased her during the live broadcast on Thursday, February 27.
The Guardian - UK · Feb 27, 2025 ‘People’s commission’ to examine future of water industry in England and Wales Inquiry set up by academics and campaigners to rival ‘too limited’ government-established commission
The Guardian - UK · Oct 22, 2024 New Water Commission must create an environmental enforcer that is feared The current division of responsibilities between Ofwat, the Environment Agency and Drinking Water Inspectorate hasn’t worked
The Guardian - UK · Oct 22, 2024 New commission may ban English water companies from making a profit Defra body, created to overhaul system amid public fury, may force firms to be run for public good rather than shareholder returns
Evening Standard · Oct 22, 2024 Water regulator Ofwat could be abolished over sewage scandal as firms push for bill hikes of up to 84% Thames Water has asked to hike bills by 54%
The Independent UK · Oct 22, 2024 Starmer’s bid to fix broken water industry after series of sewage scandals Campaigners are angry that Labour will not consider renationalising water companies