I am proud to have supported the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 which the government introduced to increase accountability, strengthen sanctions and make pollution coverups a criminal offence. It also created a new duty on water and sewerage undertakers to produce annual Pollution Incident Reduction Plans (PIRPs). These plans require water and sewerage undertakers to report on the number and severity of pollution incidents in their networks and propose actions to reduce them. I am pleased that this Act meant the water regulator has banned bosses of six water companies, from receiving bonuses until their performance improves.
I also welcome the government’s White Paper, A New Vision for Water, which sets out reforms for the water industry, following a detailed independent review led by Sir Jon Cunliffe. This is a once in a generation transformation of the water industry regulatory framework which puts the environment and consumers first.
The government has pledged more reforms, including tighter discharge limits, enhanced monitoring and the creation of a new single water regulator with stronger, more proactive tools to enforce the rules and ensure water companies are fully held to account for sewage pollution.
I know the government is also introducing measures to strengthen the Environment Agency’s ability to act swiftly and proportionately on minor to moderate offences, including relating to sewage. It is planning new variable monetary penalties and automatic penalties to enable quicker, more targeted enforcement. This will work alongside existing powers such as prosecution and ensure water companies face clear and immediate consequences.
Both the White Paper and the upcoming Water Bill are a central part of this government’s programme and a priority for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. I assure you I will follow developments on this closely as we walk the path to a future where water companies act responsibly, customers get the service they deserve, and we can all enjoy clean rivers, lakes and seas.