Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they possess a statistical assessment of the social cost of leaving England's water companies in private ownership and, if so, whether they will publish it.

This Government is committed to protecting the most vulnerable. Defra has not carried out a statistical assessment of the social cost of water companies remaining privatised.

We expect water companies to ensure support is available for customers – through bill discount schemes and financial support measures. We are working with industry to keep support under review and have consulted on reforms to WaterSure. We will publish our response this year.