Overview
- The plan creates a single watchdog for England and Wales to replace overlapping bodies, with Ofwat slated for abolition.
- Companies would face mandatory infrastructure “MOTs”, a regulator‑hired Chief Engineer, no‑notice inspections and a new Performance Improvement Regime.
- Consumer protections expand through a legally empowered Water Ombudsman and proposals for clearer personal accountability for senior executives.
- Ministers cite £104bn in private funding over five years, including £11bn for 2,500 storm overflows, nearly £5bn for wastewater upgrades, and efficiency measures projected to save £125m.
- Implementation requires legislation and a 2026 transition plan, with Ofwat unlikely to disappear before 2027, as South East Water’s Kent and Sussex outages prompt multiple probes.