Vision for water under threat?

As negotiations over the Final Determination with Ofwat continue ahead of November’s announcement Water UK has claimed that the Government’s excellent water strategy Future Water could be jeopardised by a harsh Final Determination in the current price review.

Pamela Taylor, Water UK Chief Executive was quoted as saying: “Everyone accepts that sustainability requires continuing investment at a high level. But Ofwat’s proposals put financial stability at risk by setting aside the long-term in favour of a short-term approach to prices. Short-term decision making could affect service quality and prove a poor bargin for customers” 

What is clear is that massive investment will continue with Ofwat proposing £21 billion of investment over the next period. There is no doubt that the Final Determination will be challenging for all. But with this level of ongoing investment there must be scope to make significant progress towards the Government’s vision. The challenge will be to ensure that the money is invested sensibly and effectively.