Former Ofwat Chair Jonson Cox to give evidence to Lords Ofwat inquiry

The House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee will continue its inquiry on the work of Ofwat, the water regulator of England and Wales, by taking evidence from its former Chair, Jonson Cox, from 10.30am on Tuesday 6 September.

The Committee will discuss how to ensure future water supply in the context of the ongoing drought in many areas of England and Wales, and question whether the Government and the regulator achieve the right balance between allowing environmental investment and ensuring consumer bills are affordable, as well as how to support those struggling to pay their water bills. The Committee will also consider the performance of water companies and whether the regulator has held them to account sufficiently.

The session will run from 10.30am until 12pm and can be followed live on Parliament TV or in person in Committee Room 2, Palace of Westminster

Possible questions include:

  • What sorts of strategic solutions are needed to ensure future water supply? Should solutions such as compulsory water metering and water transfers be considered?
  • How does Ofwat find a balance between allowing water companies to invest in the environment and ensuring consumer bills remain affordable? Is more guidance needed from the Government in this area?
  • Should a single social tariff be introduced covering all water companies in England and Wales, so that the same support for those struggling to pay their bills is available regardless of postcode?

Do water companies truly fear the consequences of regulatory action, and if so, is this fear a financial or merely reputational one? Are stronger sanctions needed for failing companies?

NEWS CATEGORIES

LATEST NEWS

Steps to unlocking water data capability

The water sector has made good progress with digitisation – the capturing of data for storage and processing - writes Ruth Clarke, head of...

Steve Vick International’s innovative grout filling project for Wales & West Utilities in Aberdare

Steve Vick International's Contract Services team recently completed a challenging project in Aberdare, Wales, commissioned by Wales & West Utilities and Transport for Wales. ...

New AUMA actuators keep water in Welsh town’s taps flowing 

Water supplies to over 3,000 residents in the Welsh seaside town of Tywyn will continue to flow uninterrupted thanks to new state-of-the-art, remotely controlled...

New entry-level machine now available from Bucher Municipal

Bucher Municipal has announced a new addition to its sewer cleaner range. The new CityFlex C40 Viking unit provides an entry level product to...