(by Verity Mitchell) Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election has re-ignited the debate on water ownership. However, what he has conspicuously not said is that the entire water sector should be taken into public ownership. He has stated: “Public ownership is absolutely an option… I would say for Thames Water that is what should be done.” During the by-election he said: “If you look at water as an industry as a whole, it’s run predominantly in the private interest

(by Karma Loveday) British Water has opened its 2026 Water Company Performance Survey. Contractors, consultants and suppliers are invited to rate their water company clients across 12 key areas, including innovation, professionalism, contractual approach and communication. The survey is open until 10 July: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BW2026WaterCompanyPerformanceSurvey Arup and The Rivers Trust have formed a strategic partnership to focus on scaling nature-based solutions

(by Karma Loveday) The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has urged that further regulatory mergers be considered to help businesses that currently struggle navigating a complex and burdensome regulatory landscape. In a cross-sector report, Regulating for growth, the Committee cited regulatory uncertainty adding to costs and delays for business through unpredictable timelines, unclear interpretations of rules and opaque enforcement thresholds. It highlighted that in areas such a

(by Karma Loveday) Regulators’ work to support customers in vulnerable circumstances needs to step up to keep pace with the scale of need. That message came from the National Audit Office (NAO) last week, in a report on the help available to those who need extra support across the water, energy and broadband sectors. The NAO noted distinct improvements from the watchdogs since its 2019 report on a similar subject – for instance through encouragement, enforcement and licence

(by Karma Loveday) The Regulators Alliance for Progressing Infrastructure Development (RAPID) is consulting until 21 July on expanding its remit. Under the plans, RAPID would build on its success in supporting strategic water resource schemes by also working with large-scale wastewater schemes, industrial / data centre growth hubs and even city-wide sustainable drainage systems. The consultation set out proposals across four areas: Defining the role of RAPID in providing na

(by Karma Loveday) Water minister Emma Hardy had to repeatedly set out the Government’s position on water ownership in Parliament last week, as Labour backbenchers queued up to make the case for greater public control. Alongside familiar champions of nationalisation – including Norwich South MP Clive Lewis who secured the Urgent Question on the performance of the water sector – Labour voices from across the country challenged the minister on the party’s position in rejecting

(by Verity Mitchell) Welsh Water has announced annual results which management admitted have “not been good enough.” Revenues increased by 28%, reflecting new price controls, to £1,174m. Operating profit increased to £172m from a loss of £9m in the prior period (including £23m of restructuring costs), but Welsh Water continued to report a loss after tax of £49m – albeit this was significantly lower than the £176m in the prior year (excluding fair value adjustments). Despite p

(by Verity Mitchell) Anglian Water last week reported full-year results that included lower-than-budgeted Outcome Delivery Incentive penalties, a significant cost change re-opener, and the need for a further equity injection by the end of AMP8. The group’s revenue increased 20% to £2,103m in the year ended 31 March 2026, driven by regulatory allowances and volumetric demand, while operating profits were up 28% at £636m. It recorded £44m of SAP costs, with the chief executive

(by Verity Mitchell) Pennon shares have slipped over 4% since the company reported profitable full-year results on 11 June. Significant operational challenges present a baptism of fire for incoming chief executive Keith Haslett. The south west of England experienced five named storms with around 150% of average rainfall during November and December 2025, rising to 190% in January and February 2026, placing significant pressure on water and wastewater networks. Management conf

(by Karma Loveday) Marcus Rink, chief inspector for drinking water, received an OBE in the King’s Honours for services to water quality. Commenting, Rink said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition, and I accept it with great humility and a deep sense of pride. The Drinking Water Inspectorate exists to protect public health and maintain the robust regulatory framework that underpins public trust in drinking water, and it is a privilege to lead that work.” He empha