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

To ask His Majesty's Government for what reason they instructed the Consumer Council for Water to cease providing alternative dispute resolution services with immediate effect on 24 April.

On 20 April 2026, Defra instructed the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) to cease provision of the adjudication element of the Alternative Dispute Resolution service, which had been operated through a third party. This was because CCW does not have the statutory power to undertake adjudication activities or charge for them.

As a result, continuing the adjudication function was not consistent with CCW’s legal powers or regularity requirements. This service was therefore ceased promptly to ensure compliance. with legal and financial governance requirements.