Water bills to rise by average of 36% over next five years - Ofwat

Government to abolish Ofwat

Environment Secretary Steve Reed has confirmed that water regulator Ofwat will be abolished as part of an overhaul of a “broken” regulatory system. Mr Reed pledged to strengthen regulation, clean up the country’s rivers and protect the public from soaring water bills. The Environment Secretary said: "A single, powerful regulator responsible for the entire water sector will stand firmly on the side of customers, investors and the environment and prevent the abuses of the past''. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Ofwat "failed everybody", says Environment Secretary

Environment Secretary Steve Reed says the water regulator Ofwat has “clearly failed everybody,” citing record pollution levels and rising bills. Reed said the government is committed to halving sewage discharges into England and Wales’ waterways by 2030. He called for “a revolution in our water sector” and said a report from Sir John Cunliffe will guide urgent regulatory reform. Report by Etemadil. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Home secretary watches facial recognition demo

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper watches a demonstration of live facial recognition technology outside the Cardiff City Stadium in Wales. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn