Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what is the structure and membership of the public control taskforce; and what work does it plan to undertake on the public control of water services.

For too long, over-privatisation of our essential sectors have resulted in higher costs for consumers and poorer services. The Government is clear that the public has a right to expect these services to be affordable and accountable. The Public Control Taskforce is exploring how greater public control can ensure our essential services - housing, water, energy and transport - run in the interest of those who use them. Later this year, we will publish our plan for Britain and set out how, over 10 years, we will make this country work for the public again.

The Taskforce sits within the Office for the Prime Minister & Cabinet, and is being driven forward by First Secretary of State, Louise Haigh. The Taskforce is drawing on expertise across central government, local government, and wider academia, business and civil society.