Sewage pollution an immediate priority, says Ofwat’s 2022/23 forward programme

Ofwat's Interim chief executive, David Black, described the regulator's joint action with the government and other regulators to hold companies to account over sewage release to the environment as “a priority for the months ahead” in his foreword to Ofwat’s draft forward programme for 2022-23.

The document went on to say this was part of a wider theme of growing attention to environmental issues: “We are increasing our focus on environmental issues and we will continue to drive improvements in the sector’s current and future environmental performance using all of our regulatory tools.” For the first time, these include provisions made under the new Environment Act.

Other highlights for the year ahead laid out in the document included: the publication of the draft PR24 framework in summer and collaborative customer research with CCW to inform the price review; progressing major infrastructure via RAPID and competitive routes including Direct Procurement for Customers; looking for measurable progress on open data; collaborating more with regulatory partners; considering the case for a new customer-focused licence condition; and reforming the Market Performance Framework and retail price caps in the non household market.

Ofwat’s budget for the year, part of a three-year budget approved by the government, will be £32.3m. This comprises £0.5m from Thames Tideway, £1.3m from Water Supply and Sewerage Licensing; and the remainder for core activities.