Government finally listens to Lib Dems and scraps Ofwat after years of pressure

Environment Secretary Steve Reed announced the plans last month, following a major review into the water industry.

Ofwat will be replaced by a single, stronger regulator that will be responsible for the entire water system.

The new watchdog, set to be granted real enforcement powers, marks a crucial step forward towards cleaning up waterways across the country whilst putting people and the environment before profit.

The decision is a big win for Milton Keynes Liberal Democrats who have been campaigning on this issue since 2022.

Local councillors previously slammed Anglian Water after shocking data revealed dozens of sewage dumps into open water across the city, all whilst households faced rising bills and company executives were handed £2million in pay and perks.

Councillor Kerrie Bradburn, Deputy Leader of Milton Keynes Liberal Democrats, said:

“The system has been broken for a long time and after three years of campaigning, I’m glad the Government is finally listening.

“This is a huge win for local residents and communities across the country who’ve had enough of water bosses being let off the hook whilst they pay the price.”

The Liberal Democrats have been leading the way for tougher regulation of water companies, calling for polluters to be prosecuted, bonuses to be blocked, and a total clean-up of Britain’s rivers and waterways.

The new regulator must now follow through to hold water companies to account.