Independent report

Independent Water Commission: review of the water sector

The Independent Water Commission’s interim report sets out emerging conclusions on reforms to improve the water sector regulatory system in England and Wales.

From:
Independent Water Commission
Published
3 June 2025

Applies to England and Wales

Documents

Independent Water Commission: interim report

PDF, 6.61 MB, 108 pages

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Annex A: call for evidence interim summary of responses

PDF, 393 KB, 54 pages

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Details

The Independent Water Commission, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe, is reviewing the water sector regulatory system in England and Wales.

Interim report

The interim report follows the commission’s wide-ranging call for evidence and sets out 5 areas where the commission believes major and ambitious change is needed, based on its evidence and engagement to date.

It is not exhaustive and should not been viewed as the commission’s full recommendations. Instead, it sets out the direction of the commission’s work.

The interim report focuses on the following themes:

  • strategic direction and planning
  • legislative framework
  • regulatory reform
  • company structures, ownership, governance and management
  • infrastructure and asset health

The commission’s final report will be submitted to the UK and Welsh governments in summer 2025.

Updates to this page

Published 3 June 2025

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