The Infrastructure Podcast: Episode 125

Guest:  Blair Mitchell, Managing Director for Water, WSP

Water sector reset

In today’s episode we’re diving into one of the most pressing – and controversial – sectors in UK infrastructure: water.

Following years of public outrage over pollution, poor service and rising bills, the water industry in England and Wales now faces a once-in-a-generation reckoning. 

That reckoning arrived this month with the publication of the final report from the Independent Water Commission, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe. Backed by over 50,000 responses and extensive consultation, the report sets out 88 recommendations to overhaul the way water is regulated, governed and delivered.

It proposes sweeping reforms: replacing Ofwat with a new integrated water regulator, creating regional water planning authorities, mandating compulsory water metering, and embedding a new “public benefit” duty into water company licences. 

It also calls for a National Water Strategy and much tighter regulation of company ownership, governance and long-term resilience. In short, no one comes out of this review smelling of roses – not the government; not the regulators; not the water companies. As Sir Jon puts it “This sector requires fundamental reform on all sides”.

Meanwhile, Ofwat’s PR24 price review landed with a heavy thud at the back end of last year, demanding a 21% uplift in investment over AMP8, challenging companies with tough efficiency expectations and a step change in renewing creaking assets. The sector faces the daunting task of transforming itself while remaining affordable, investable – and trusted. 

To unpack the Commission’s findings and explore the future direction of the sector, I’m joined today by Blair Mitchell, Managing Director for Water at WSP. 

Blair has spent three decades working across all sides of the water sector – as a client, as a supplier and advising on everything from resilience and regulation to long-term asset strategy. So I’m hoping he will be able to put some context to what is clearly a landmark moment for everyone involved in the water sector. 

Let’s find out ….

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