Question to the Wales Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to the Answer of 9 May 2023 to Question 183233 on Sewage and Water: Wales, if he will take steps with the Welsh Government to publish a timetable for commencing section 48(1) of the Wales Act 2017.

The devolution boundary for water and sewerage is aligned along water and sewerage undertaker appointment areas, some of which straddle the border. Where those areas are wholly or mainly in Wales they are devolved.

My Department will work with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Welsh Government to agree a timetable for commencing section 48(1) of the Wales Act 2017 that best meets the needs of both governments and the water industry.