New water watchdog given power to protect consumers

Customers will be given stronger protections against water firms under government plans to restore trust in the beleaguered industry.

- ARCHIE MITCHELL

Steve Reed is 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 environment secretary is embarking on “the biggest overhaul of water regulation in a generation” amid growing anger at poor service, spiralling bills and the pollution of Britain’s waterways.

He pledged yesterday to cut pollution in Britain’s rivers in half by the end of the decade, eliminating it completely by 2035.

And today he will outline the latest changes, which will expand the role of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), bringing the sector into line with other utilities by creating a legally binding consumer watchdog.

The ombudsman will also provide a single point of contact for consumers with complaints, instead of leaving them uncertain about where to go.