Mayors could be given powers to oversee water companies
The UK government is considering granting mayors and local leaders powers to oversee water companies through the creation of nine new regional bodies. This proposal aims to increase accountability for rising bills and sewage discharges following a record 84% increase in customer complaints. While no final decision has been made, officials are exploring these measures to address public dissatisfaction with the current private water sector model.
- ▪Prime Minister Andy Burnham's plan involves creating nine regional bodies to hold water companies accountable for spending and environmental performance.
- ▪Complaints to the industry watchdog rose by a record 84% in one year, driven by customer confusion over rising bills.
- ▪The regional bodies would include mayors, independent chairs, and sector representatives to ensure local voices influence investment priorities.
- ▪Over 200,000 people signed a petition calling for a national referendum on returning the water industry to public ownership.
- ▪MPs reached a broad consensus that the current water industry model is broken and requires significant reform.
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| Publication time | Wed, 16 Sep 2026 02:09:22 GMT |
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Mayors could be given powers to oversee water companies Image source, ReutersByHarry Farley, Political Correspondent and Claire KeenanPublished6 minutes agoMayors and other local political leaders could be given powers to oversee water companies under plans being considered by the government.Prime Minister Andy Burnham's plan is to create nine new regional bodies responsible for planning, setting objectives, and holding water companies to account.The idea was a key recommendation of Sir John Cunliffe's Independent Water Commission published in June last year.Improving the water industry has been a focus for Burnham since he took to power, as water customers in England and Wales continue to face steep bill hikes.But there has been little detail of what that could look like, short of full…
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