NAO WARNS ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION IS FAILING TO KEEP PACE, WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR WATER SECTOR

Environmental regulation in England is not operating as effectively or strategically as it should, risking poor environmental outcomes and weakening confidence in enforcement, according to a new report from the National Audit Office (NAO). The watchdog’s report, Environmental regulation, concludes that while regulators and Defra share clear objectives to protect the environment and minimise unnecessary burdens on business, weaknesses in data, skills, digital capability and strategic coordination are limiting their ability to regulate consistently and at scale. The findings are particularly relevant to the UK water and wastewater industry, which…

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UK GOVERNMENT UNVEILS BIGGEST OVERHAUL OF WATER SECTOR IN A GENERATION

A new once-in-a-generation plan to overhaul the water system has been unveiled today (Tuesday 20 January) by the UK government, with the publication of the much anticipated Water White Paper. The policy paper, ‘A new vision for water’ sets out clear powers for the new regulator, delivering tougher oversight and stronger accountability for water companies. For the first time in two decades, a Chief Engineer will sit inside the new single water regulator to bring back hands-on checks of water infrastructure, which the government says will end the days of…

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