Concerns raised over water rules

FARMING groups have given a broad welcome to Government proposals for UK water industry reform, but expressed concer at potential increases on regulatory burdens.

- 

Ministers have set out a series of reforms in Parliament as they move ahead with a major regulatory shakeup that will see Ofwat abolished and the current system of overlapping oversight by four different bodies merged into a single regulator.

Water companies will be required to carry out infrastructure “MOTs” to prevent major failures under plans for a the industry watchdog.

The Government said the reforms will bring councils, water companies, farmers and developers together to deliver joined-up local plans to tackle river pollution, water resources and housing growth.