Climate duty for Ofwat among Lords’ amendments to Special Measures Bill

Report stage scrutiny of the Water (Special Measures) Bill will continue in the Lords this Wednesday (20 November).

The amendments proposed so far can be viewed here: https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3751/stages/19242/amendments

The changes include those from Baroness Hayman of Ullock for the Government, concerning: giving Ofwat a nature and climate duty; encouraging the use of nature-based solutions (by requiring Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans to explain the intended contribution of natural solutions); and extending the requirement for Pollution Incident Reduction Plans to water-only companies.

Other proposed amendments have concerned water company and regulator engagement with civil society; implementation of Schedule 3 of the Floods and Water Management Act; public ownership of water; and bailing out financially struggling firms.