Stephen Morgan MP has welcomed the announcement of sweeping reforms to clean up the water industry, strengthen regulation and put an end to failing water companies marking their own homework.
After more than a decade of weak oversight by Conservative governments, the reforms set out in today’s Water White Paper will create a new single water regulator with tough new powers, including a Chief Engineer to carry out hands-on checks of water infrastructure and stop pipes, pumps and treatment works being left to crumble.
For the first time, water companies will face mandatory ‘MOT-style’ checks on their assets, replacing the broken Conservative system that relied on self-reporting, and helping prevent the disruptive failures communities across the country have been forced to endure.
The White Paper also introduces stronger inspection powers, including no-notice inspections, and a new Water Ombudsman with binding powers to ensure customers get fast, fair compensation when things go wrong.
Households will also benefit from wider smart meter roll-out and mandatory water-efficiency labels on appliances, helping families cut waste and save money on bills.
Meanwhile, Reform’s reckless plan to half-nationalise the industry would mean higher bills, dirtier waterways, and a £50 billion price tag. Working families can’t afford another gamble with their money.
Commenting, Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, said:
“The previous Conservative government’s failure to hold water companies to account left families across this city paying the price.
“I strongly welcome sweeping reforms to existing water industry regulations. This once-in-a-generation overhaul of the water system will deliver the change that Portsmouth people deserve and need.”
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said:
“These are once-in-a-generation reforms for our water system – tough oversight, real accountability, and no more excuses.
“Water companies will have nowhere to hide from poor performance, customers will get the service they deserve, and investors will see a system built for the future.
“This builds on the tough action we’ve already delivered, from record investment to banning unfair bonuses.”
A 2026 Transition Plan will set out the path to this new system, and a new water reform bill will bring forward the legislation needed enable the system to take effect.
Backed by £104 billion of private investment over five years, this shift towards proactive maintenance of water company assets will fix failing infrastructure, end mismanagement, and build a water system that puts customers first – protecting household bills while attracting investment to secure the sector for the long-term.
