Independent Water Commission: review of the water sector

The Independent Water Commission, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe, has reviewed the water sector regulatory system in England and Wales.

Final report

The final report follows the commission’s wide-ranging call for evidence and the earlier interim report. This report sets out the areas where the commission believes major and ambitious change is needed, based on its evidence and engagement.

The final report focuses on the following themes:

• strategic direction and planning
• legislative framework
• regulator reform
• regulation reform
• company structures, ownership, governance and management
• infrastructure and asset health
• implementation

This report has now been submitted to the UK and Welsh governments. Both governments will respond and consult on proposals, including potential legislation.  

Interim report

The interim report set out our preliminary conclusions in areas that we believe must be at the centre of reforming the system. It focused on the following themes:

• strategic direction and planning
• legislative framework
• regulatory reform
• company structures, ownership, governance and management
• infrastructure and asset health