Mayors could be given powers to oversee water companies
Summary
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is considering plans to give mayors and local leaders powers to oversee water companies in England. The plan includes creating regional bodies to set goals, check spending, and hold these companies accountable, aiming to improve water services and control rising costs.Key Facts
- Andy Burnham wants to create nine regional bodies to supervise water companies.
- These bodies would include mayors, experts, and representatives from sectors like transport and farming.
- The plan follows recommendations from Sir John Cunliffe’s Independent Water Commission.
- Officials in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs support the idea.
- Water customers in England and Wales have faced large bill increases and rising complaints.
- Complaints to the water industry watchdog rose by 84% in one year, the highest in 20 years.
- Burnham aims to give mayors more power over public services and budgets in a 10-year plan.
- More than 200,000 people signed a petition calling for a public vote on returning water companies to public ownership.
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