More clarity is needed on the Clean Water Bill outlined in the King’s Speech, says the NFU.
The bill will create a new ‘independent and integrated water regulator’, bringing together the functions of Ofwat, the Drinking Water Inspectorate, the Environment Agency and Natural England. It also outlines plans for ‘legislative tools’ to ensure ambitious water quality standards are met, including measures to strengthen agricultural pollution rules.
The NFU has previously welcomed the government’s plans for a new regulator and an improved model for regional water planning. While reforms could offer a more joined up approach to water planning, there is a lack of clarity about availability and abstraction, which is essential for growing the nation’s food and for flood management.
It is also critical that agricultural representatives are involved in the decision to build trust and ensure the sector supports any future framework.
Although not explicitly referenced in the government’s initial notes on the Clean Water Bill, there are continued concerns over proposals to extend environmental permitting to cattle farming, which we have communicated to ministers.
If it is expanded, it must involve meaningful consultation with the industry, including full consideration of an industry-led option. The NFU has already been working to develop a farmer-led approach in partnership with the supply chain that would help recognise and reward the actions farmers are already taking to reduce pollution.
Pump manufacturer Groundfos gave the bill a cautious welcome. Sales manager Duncan Leathley says the call in today’s King’s Speech to reform critical infrastructure and clean up the UK water industry is a positive step for the sector.
“While we are encouraged to see the Government taking action to overhaul the industry, there remains a need for a clearer roadmap for the wholesale reform promised in the January White Paper. The challenges facing the water sector, from ageing infrastructure to extreme weather, cannot be addressed through incremental change alone; they require the robust legislative framework outlined in the Cunliffe Review. It is essential that this legislation does not simply change the name of the regulator, but fundamentally reshapes how we monitor and maintain our assets.”
