Government launches water ombudsman to boost consumer protection
UK promised ‘biggest overhaul of water regulation in a generation’
- Environment Secretary Steve Reed is initiating “the biggest overhaul of water regulation in a generation” amid growing anger at poor service, spiralling bills and the pollution of Britain’s waterways.
- The reforms include establishing a new water ombudsman with legal powers to resolve consumer disputes.
- The government pledges to halve river pollution by 2030 and eliminate it completely by 2035.
- A key recommendation of the reform is expected to be the scrapping of Ofwat and the creation of a new regulator.
- This overhaul will involve a £104 billion investment to rebuild the country's crumbling sewage pipes.