PAC to pursue National Audit Office report findings with Government and regulators

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will take evidence for its water sector regulation inquiry on 9 June, from Defra permanent secretary Dame Tamara Finkelstein, Ofwat chief executive David Black and Environment Agency director general David Hill.

The timing has fuelled speculation that the Independent Water Commission’s recommendations will be published in the week commencing 2 June, after the Whitsun Parliamentary recess but before the PAC session.

The inquiry, launched in March, will follow up on issues raised in last month’s National Audit Office report, including the outcomes the industry needs to achieve, levels of investment required and the current effectiveness of regulation. Evidence can be submitted until 26 May.

• Meanwhile, the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee is to continue with its inquiry, Reforming the water sector, with evidence from Thames Water leaders on 13 May.