A major report on the UK’s infrastructure has been published by the National Infrastructure Commission. it covers energy, transport, water and waste, and says there are large gaps in investment and many areas in which the UK’s existing infrastructure is poorly maintained and inadequate.

Overall, investment of about £30bn a year from the taxpayer and £40bn to £50bn a year from the private sector is required. This would result in savings to the average household of at least £1,000 a year, higher economic productivity, and a better quality of life in the future.

On water, the NIC says that

• up to nine new large reservoirs are needed, as well as enlargement of some existing reservoirs, and a plethora of water recycling plants. Nine new desalination plants could also be necessary.
• Increases in supply are unlikely to solve the problem on their own as the climate crisis gets worse and droughts and floods become more common across the UK. Managing demand will therefore be necessary, and compulsory water metering for households and businesses is viewed as the best means of achieving that.
• To reduce flood risk, “soft” flood measures such as water meadows are needed, along with allowing “wiggle” room for rivers, rather than concrete flood barriers.

Water metering has been controversial in the past, as social campaigners have raised concerns over the impacts on large families on low incomes. However, water companies could be empowered to offer a range of tariffs that would mean large households, or households with special needs, could afford their bills.

You can read the report in full on the Commission’s website. There is also an animated web summary, and a press release.

Covered by the BBC, the Guardian and elsewhere.