Now is a time of change for UK’s ‘broken’ water sector

Publication of the final report of the independent review into the water sector’s regulatory system in England and Wales has been welcomed by ACE Group. 

The Independent Water Commission, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe, has now concluded its investigation into the provision of water and the quality of our natural water environment. 

The review is a direct response to a catalogue of pollution cases, financial difficulties, mismanagement and infrastructure failures within the sector, which combined have shaken the public’s trust. 

With firm recommendations on driving resilience, enabling innovation, supporting supply chain capacity, speeding up delivery and the capability of water companies to roll out large infrastructure projects, ACE Group is calling on Government to embed these into law at the earliest opportunity. 

Director of Policy at ACE Group, Marie-Claude Hemming, said: “ACE Group has long argued that the UK’s water sector is fundamentally broken, still driven by cycles of boom and bust alongside challenging business models, a lack strategy and pipeline visibility.  

“The publication of the Cunliffe review highlights that it really is now time for change. Trust has been broken and we all have a part to play in its restoration. 

“This cannot be done in isolation. While we urge the government to implement the recommendations of this independent review as soon as possible, we must all be cognisant of big decisions ahead. 

“Primarily, it is no longer possible to continue with the current approach, whereby the industry is deprived of necessary investment – does not drive economic growth and the longer-term environmental outcomes future generations deserve.  

“We need honest conversations about cost and the finance models needed to deliver the world class water infrastructure society expects. 

“ACE Group urges Government not to shy away from difficult decisions and seize the opportunity to deliver this once in a generation reform to our water sector.”

Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals