Minister acts as trust falls in water industry

Environment Secretary Steve Reed is set to announce tougher protections for consumers amid declining trust in the water industry.

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He will commit to setting up a new water ombudsman with legal powers to resolve disputes, rather than the current voluntary system that is thought to lack teeth.

The changes, which will expand the role of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), will bring the sector into line with other utilities by creating a legally binding consumer watchdog. It will also provide a single point of contact for consumers with complaints, instead of leaving them uncertain about where to go.