Four long-term strategic priorities that Ofwat should encourage in the water industry

1. Protecting and enhancing the environment:

Ofwat should drive water companies to be more ambitious in their environmental planning and delivery to contribute towards the priorities set out in the 25 Year Environment Plan. Ofwat should drive water companies to improve their day-to-day environmental performance to enhance quality of the water environment.

2. A resilient water sector:

Ofwat should challenge the water sector to plan, invest and operate its water and wastewater services to secure the needs of current and future customers, in a way which delivers value to customers, the environment and wider society over the long-term.

3. Serving and protecting customers:

Ofwat should push water companies to provide a better and fairer water service for all, by improving customer services and complaints handling. Ofwat should drive water companies to meet the needs of vulnerable customers, including those who are ‘transiently’2 vulnerable.

4. Driving markets to deliver for customers:

Where appropriate, Ofwat should consider how the use of markets-based tools, such as competition, can deliver greater benefits for customers and support the delivery of government’s wider priorities. Ofwat should encourage markets to drive innovation, efficiencies, and promote longer term sustainable investment across the sector.

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Access the consultation documents here. The consultation runs until 27 September