Other stories from last week

(by Karma Loveday)

Phosphorous removal at sewage treatment works is having a positive effect on the ecological health of rivers, according to a study from the Environment Agency and University of Stirling. Reduced phosphorus levels and improved ecological indicators were both strongly associated with rivers in eutrophic sensitive areas, where significant investment in phosphorus removal at sewage treatment works has occurred. Thirty of 38 sites showed dual improvement.

Business market wholesalers and retailers have approved MOSL’s 2026-27 business plan and annual budget. This is £14.45m and will be funded through market operator charges. 

The non-household market’s most senior body, the Strategic Panel, has announced new appointments. Wave chief financial officer Ken Main has been appointed as a new retailer member, replacing Everflow’s James Cleave. Main joined Business Stream CEO Jo Dow, who was reappointed as retailer member. Emily Jerrome, head of retail markets at South Staffs Water, was appointed as a new wholesaler member, replacing Northumbrian Water’s Andrew Beaver. All three commenced two-year terms on 1 March. 

Emma Griffiths was also appointed as the new Defra Affiliate member of the Panel.

The Strategic Panel has deferred a decision on opening the fifth round of the Market Improvement Fund until October. This will give time for funding from performance charges to accumulate, as the forecast is that there will be significantly less funding available than usual, because of Market Performance Framework Reform changes. It hopes by October to be able to support a small number of improvement projects.