Independent Water Commission

Lord Whitty Excerpts

Wednesday 23rd July 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

The noble Earl makes an important point about citizen science and input from local communities. He is right that, in many ways, we are standing here today discussing the outcome of the commission because of the recognition by government of the problem that was originally raised by organisations such as Surfers Against Sewage and anglers’ associations, and by individuals such as Feargal Sharkey. It is important to recognise that this was brought to government’s notice because of the campaigns and the work by volunteers and charitable organisations. That is why it is critical that we continue those discussions with those organisations as we develop the White Paper and the legislation, because if you have experience of dealing with problems on the ground, you can bring valuable suggestions to the development of legislation.

Citizen science will be an important part of this. An example is Lake Windermere: there is a local group of people working there that we are trying to work with and support to look at how we specifically deal with the challenges there.

[Lord Whitty (Lab)]

My Lords, like others, I would have preferred renationalisation, but a strengthened and unified regulator was my second choice so I welcome much of this report. However, will the next stage, the White Paper and the later legislation, envisage a situation where there is a system closer to franchising than to the total freedom of the water companies to carry on doing a disastrous job, as they have done since privatisation?

My other point is that, in relation to consumers, there seems to be a bit of confusion between the role of the Consumer Council for Water, which represents consumers, and a new ombudsman, which is a quasi-judicial body resolving problems raised by consumers. Possibly the Consumer Council for Water should be run by Citizens Advice, but there should not be confusion between the two jobs.

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

I take that point, which is a good point well made about that confusion. I am sure we will take it back to the department. The report includes proposals about ownership, which will be part of any consultation from a White Paper. That is another important point that we need to consider.