Water ombudsman to be created amid sweeping changes in England and Wales | Water industry
By: Helena Horton and Pippa Crerar | Published: 2025-07-20 21:30:00 | Source: www.theguardian.com
A new water ombudsman will be announced on Monday by the environment secretary, Steve Reed, as part of government plans to overhaul the embattled sector.
The body will be among sweeping changes recommended in a review launched by Jon Cunliffe that are also expected to include the abolishment of Ofwat, the industry watchdog for England and Wales.
Ofwat will be replaced by a regulator with supervisory powers, similar to oversight of banks after the financial crash. Experts would be appointed to work inside water companies and ensure they are obeying the law and improving the environment.
The new ombudsman, replacing the Consumer Council for Water, will have strengthened legal powers to help consumers who face problems from water companies, such as sewage floods in their gardens and taps…
