Defra will also introduce a single water regulator, which will take on the water-related regulatory functions of Natural England, the Environment Agency, Ofwat and the Drinking Water Inspectorate.59 Government intends to publish a transition plan for the reforms in 2026.60 Farmers will need to engage with this regulator in addition to the ones it currently interacts with, which risks increasing complexity further.

Defra will also introduce a single water regulator, which will take on the water-related regulatory functions of Natural England, the Environment Agency, Ofwat and the Drinking Water Inspectorate.59 Government intends to publish a transition plan for the reforms in 2026.60 Farmers will need to engage with this regulator in addition to the ones it currently interacts with, which risks increasing complexity further. Type: conclusion | Number: 23 | Response status: response_pending