27 Feb
Written Statement
Independent Water Commission: Call for Evidence

The Written Statement announces the launch of an Independent Water Commission, a significant governmental effort to address longstanding issues in the UK's water sector. The commission is chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe and is part of a broader strategy to overhaul regulatory frameworks, tackle pollution, and address emerging challenges like climate change. The statement outlines the need for an extra 5 billion litres of water daily by 2050 due to increasing demand and mentions the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, highlighting recent legislative progress.

5 billion litres

Additional water needed daily by 2050 to meet supply and demand projections.

8 weeks

Duration of the call for evidence period starting today.

A call for evidence invites public, stakeholder, and governmental insights over an eight-week period, emphasizing transparency and broad participation in shaping the sector's future. The initiative aims to restore trust and attract investment necessary for environmental protection and system sustainability.

October 2024

Launch date of Independent Water Commission by the UK and Welsh Governments.

Outcome

The call for evidence and subsequent recommendations by Sir Jon Cunliffe will inform further legislative measures, with a focus on long-term infrastructure improvements, environmental protection, and consumer rights within the UK and Welsh Governments, coming into full view by summer. This represents a comprehensive effort to refresh how the water sector is regulated and managed.

Key Contributions

Unnamed Official

Outlined the inherited challenges within the UK water sector, detailing pollution levels and projected water shortages by 2050.

Original Transcript

All content derived from official parliamentary records