Comment: Off with OFWAT, finally

By Jess Brown-Fuller MP

This week the full water sector review was finally published and is a damning indictment of how the Conservative government has treated our natural environment and our rural communities. For places like Chichester, the findings confirm what residents have known for years: that our rivers and coastline has been neglected, and that those meant to protect them have been asleep at the helm. 

Jess Brown-Fuller standing in Itchenor Harbour, Chichester

The report exposes a catalogue of failure, from rampant sewage discharges to a broken regulatory system that has let water companies pollute with impunity. It is deeply frustrating, but not surprising.

However, one announcement today does mark a shift and it’s one the Liberal Democrats have long called for. Since 2022, we have campaigned for the scrapping of OFWAT, the toothless regulator that has failed to stand up to polluting water companies. Today, we welcome the government finally listening to those calls and committing to replace it with a serious, independent regulator. We will study the detail carefully when it comes to Parliament to ensure this is not just a rebrand, but a genuine reset, one that puts the environment and public interest ahead of profit.

The Environment Secretary also condemned the Southern Water Chief Executive’s decision to accept a pay rise which brings his annual salary above £1.4m, which is a poor decision when public confidence is so low.

In Chichester, polluted harbours, overburdened sewage systems, and rapid development that ignores local needs have left residents feeling unheard and unprotected.

Exploring a new model of ownership was ‘outside the scope’ of the water sector review, and although we agree with the government that re-nationalising would not be a cost effective method of bringing the water companies in line, they seem unwilling to explore a public benefit company model, which has been successful in other countries.  

Our water quality continues to be a key priority for me and that is why I attempted to strengthen the Planning & Infrastructure Bill, tabling amendments to make National Landscapes like Chichester Harbour statutory consultees, and to encourage developers to incorporate greywater recycling in new homes. Neither of these amendments were accepted by the government.

This moment must be a turning point. The water sector review gives Government a chance to act. Not just to replace OFWAT, but to restore trust, clean up our waters, and empower local people. 

The Liberal Democrats will hold the government to its promises. Because communities like Chichester deserve more than apologies. We deserve action.