UK’s sewage-clogged water sector set for total overhaul after landmark report

A major report is expected to call for dramatic reform of the beleagured water sector in England and Wales when it is published later this morning.

The Independent Water Commission, pulled together by ex-banker Sir Jon Cunliffe, will set out recommendations to get the industry back on its feet after years of controversy over bills and sewage.

But campaigners including one-time Undertones frontman Feargal Sharkey have said they are sceptical of whether the report can make a difference.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed promised yesterday to halve the sewage pollution in British rivers, lakes and seas by the end of this decade, and make them the cleanest since records began.

In an appearance on Laura Kuenssberg’s BBC show, he said he would step down from his role if he failed to achieve this target.

Reed said: ‘Politicians come and say we’re going to do things. Of course our job should be on the line if we don’t.’

He is set to describe the water industry as ‘broken’ and welcome the recommendations of the report when they drop later today.

It is expected that the abolition of floundering regulator Ofwat will be among those recommendations.

The body has failed to stop record amounts of sewage being pumped into English and Welsh waterways, as executives’ pay and dividends soar at the private water companies.

On Sunday, Reed said Ofwat was ‘clearly failing’ though he would not confirm it was destined for the scrap heap.

Scotland and Northern Ireland both have nationalised water systems.

Sir Jon said: ‘In this report, I have considered what is best for the long-term future of water.

‘This is a complex sector with a highly integrated system, responsible for the second-largest infrastructure programme in the UK.’

However, water campaigner Feargal Sharkey has voiced doubt over whether the Commission will change the dire situation, saying he fears it will prove to be a ‘flat pancake’.

He argued: ‘Sir Jon’s job is to make the current system better, but so many things have not been considered in his review, such as the ownership of the water companies.

‘I also don’t think you can talk about abolishing Ofwat without considering the future of the Environment Agency – and taking a long, hard look at the Environment Department (Defra), as well as the lack of action from government ministers for many years. They are just as culpable.’

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