Election result - common ground on water

Photo courtesy Yorkshire Water

 Reading the election manifestos of the three main parties there is at least lots of common ground on water issues. All three recognise the potential impact of climate change on the water industry and the need for more action to tackle flooding and water supply as well as action to promote water efficiency.

The risks inherent in building on flood plains and the need to continue taking forward the Pitt review recommendations are recognised. This is shown by the all party support for the Flooding and Water Bill that went through just before parliament was dissolved 

The approach to planning and major infrastructure projects is different with the Liberals and Conservatives both seeking to abolish the newly created Infrastructure Planning Commission and to make planning decisions more locally accountable.

All parties back the need for continued infrastructure investment and with AMP5 programme agreed the current £22 billion investment plans for the next five years are safe. Perhaps the biggest area of difference is in the parties attitude to the Walker review on pricing. It is only the Liberals who are seeking to even out some of the regional discrepancies in water bills. In conclusion while the main parties resolve how they are going to govern it should be business as usual for the water sector.