UK Weighs 9 Regional Water Bodies to Oversee Companies as Complaints Jump 84%
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Sep 16
UK Weighs 9 Regional Water Bodies to Oversee Companies as Complaints Jump 84%
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Sep 16
Summary
Nine new regional bodies led by mayors or other local leaders are being considered to oversee water companies, with powers to shape planning, scrutinize spending and hold executives to account on bills and sewage discharges.
The proposal comes from Sir John Cunliffe’s water commission and is now being explored by Defra officials as the Burnham government looks for stronger public control short of full nationalisation.
An 84% annual surge in household complaints to the Consumer Council for Water — the biggest in its 20-year history — has intensified pressure over rising bills and customer confusion.
More than 200,000 people have backed a petition for a referendum on public ownership, and MPs debating the sector this week broadly agreed the current water model is broken.