The Labour Party promised a major water reset when it was elected, and Andy Burnham’s government shows no sign of reversing that direction.
New powers have been granted to regulators like the Environment Agency under the Water Special Measures Act, a major review of the sector was carried out by Sir John Cunliffe to ascertain how a more joined-up approach to regulation could be achieved, and a new Clean Water Bill was announced in the King's Speech earlier this year.
On top of that, the prime minister himself has signalled that the renationalisation of the water sector isn’t off the table.
For this ECO Chamber podcast bonus episode, the ENDS Report team travelled to Henley-on-Thames on 4 September to find out what’s at stake for the water sector.
Backstage, the team spoke with policy-makers, watchdog leaders and environmentalists, including:
The podcast also includes extracts from an expert panel hosted by ENDS’ senior journalist Shosha Adie with Wakeham, the chief executive of the Wildlife and Countryside Link, Richard Benwell, and Ofwat’s senior director of communications and engagement, Mark Wiltsher.
The panel discussed the pros and cons of a slated new super regulator, the sector at large, the challenges ahead for policymakers, and more.
The Eco Chamber is brought to you by the journalists at ENDS Report.
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