Environmental Audit Committee Chair responds to Water White Paper

Responding to the Government's publication of its Water White Paper, Toby Perkins, Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, said:

“Public confidence in the water sector is understandably low at present. While the measures the Government has already introduced are a good start, much more needs to be done to rebuild that confidence.

Today's White Paper demonstrates that the Government rightly recognises that fact. Ensuring both that the sector is attractive to patient investors and can deliver clean water to businesses and households must be a top priority.

It is encouraging to see an improved focus in the White Paper on agricultural water pollution, which has long needed a higher profile in the clean water conversation. Tackling this source of pollution will make a huge difference.

A new Performance Improvement Regime – billed as an ‘MOT' for providers – is sorely needed. But it will be interesting to hear the scope of this new power and understand the extent to which it is expected to take account of environmental objectives as well as financial performance. I look forward to scrutinising these plans in detail.”