Water boards may need to include customer representatives, minister says

Customer representation could be required on water company boards under Labour’s reform plans.

That was indicated by water minister Emma Hardy in response to a written question from Labour MP Alex Mayer on the merits of employees and bill payers being made members of the boards of water companies. 

Hardy said: “On 11 July 2024, the secretary of state announced consumers will gain new powers to hold water company bosses to account through new customer panels. For the first time in history, customers will have the power to summon board members and hold water executives to account.

“The Water (Special Measures) Bill will therefore give Ofwat the power to set rules requiring water companies to have arrangements in place for involving consumers in decision-making. The rules may include a requirement for persons representing the views of consumers to be members of a board, committee or panel of a relevant undertaker.”