Summary
Recent changes aim to prevent large increases in water bills for households in England and Wales after prices rose significantly. The report suggests installing smart meters to better monitor water use and replacing the current water regulator to improve oversight. Pollution incidents involving water companies have also reached a record high, prompting calls for more investment in infrastructure.
Key Facts
- The environment secretary stated water bills will not rise as much as before, based on a new report.
- The report recommends installing smart water meters in homes to help control water costs.
- The regulator Ofwat may be replaced by a single regulator to better manage water infrastructure.
- Average water bills increased by 30% from now to 2030, despite a historical 15% decline when inflation is considered.
- Water companies have been criticized for paying shareholders £54 billion since being privatized in 1989.
- Incidents of water pollution by companies in England have reached record levels, with serious cases increasing by 60%.
- Suggested reforms aim to reduce sewage discharge incidents by half by 2030.
- Campaigners argue the report does not fully address the water industry's issues, focusing more on management than solutions.
