Other stories from last week

(by Karma Loveday)

Defra has confirmed that falling block tariffs for large water users will be phased out between now and 2030. This was a correction to the Water White Paper, which said the tariffs would go by April 2026.

The Scottish Government has published regulations banning the sale and supply of wet wipes containing plastic. These will come into effect on 11 August 2027. There will be exemptions for medical and industrial uses, as well as business-to-business sales. The move matches actions in the remaining UK nations. Wet wipes will be banned in Wales from 18 December 2026, Northern Ireland from 18 May 2027, and England from the 19 May 2027. The different enforcement dates reflect the introduction dates for each piece of legislation. The ban in Scotland uses powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Pennon Group has confirmed that incoming chief executive Keith Haslett will commence his role on 1 April. 

Bournemouth Water has opened a new Water Efficiency Business Innovation Fund. Any non-household user is invited to apply for funds of up to £15,000 to support activities such as using rainwater where tap water is not needed; optimising washing processes for food, beverage or laundry businesses; treating wastewater to reuse; or introducing new technology to reduce mains water demand. 

Ofwat has published the findings of its review into how customers affected by sewer flooding are treated. These can be viewed at https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/regulated-companies/vulnerability/sewer-flooding-customer-care-review/ . Ofwat said it plans to issue formal guidance to companies setting out the customer care they must deliver in future when sewer flooding strikes.  

Following consultation, MOSL has published its 2026/27 business plan for members to vote on. The consultation attracted 94% support for the proposed improvement programmes and level of market operator charges. In response to challenge, MOSL said it had reaffirmed that any future phases of the Smart Meter Read Hub or Open Data Strategy will be subject to separate business cases, Strategic Panel approval, and consultation with trading parties. Trading parties can vote until 27 February.

United Utilities and Cadent have teamed up to replace water and gas mains in Wigan at the same time. The companies said this would save four weeks of disruption for residents and reduce carbon emissions.

South East Water has partnered with the National Support Network to signpost its customers to a range of independent organisations which offer advice on a variety of subjects, from disability and ill health to wellbeing and financial worries.

WildFish has published a progress report on its citizen science SmartRivers initiative. It said last year, 245 river sites were monitored through SmartRivers and 46 of these rivers now have four or more years’ worth of high-resolution ecological data.