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

Govt: Water system is broken

The system for regulating water companies should be overhauled and replaced with one body for England and one body for Wales, a landmark review of the sector has advised. The much-anticipated report from the Independent Water Commission, led by former Bank of England deputy governor Sir Jon Cunliffe, outlines 88 recommendations to the UK and Welsh governments. Water minister Emma Hardy says she cannot guarantee the government will implement all 88 recommendations. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn