Newscast Will The Plan To Fix The Water System Work?
12 snips
Jul 21, 2025 
Simon Jack, BBC's Business Editor, delves into the groundbreaking 465-page review of England and Wales' water sector, discussing its sweeping reforms and the implications of scrapping Ofwat. Lyse Doucet, BBC’s Chief International Correspondent, brings critical insights into the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, highlighting the urgent need for international action amid rising tensions. Together, they explore the intersection of economic issues and global affairs, offering a compelling look at pressing challenges both at home and abroad.
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Water Industry Regulation Weakness
- Regulation of the water industry has been weak and ineffective for 15-20 years, leading to widespread problems like pollution and underinvestment.
- Merging existing regulators into one body aims to create more joined-up and effective regulation.
Ownership Structure vs. Performance
- Ownership structure doesn't guarantee better performance; public and private water services have similar issues.
- Early privatization improved water services, but investment stalled post-2008 financial crisis.
Pollution Reduction Target Trick
- Using the worst pollution year as a baseline allows setting easier future pollution targets, implying some accounting sleight of hand.
- This could let companies meet targets without immediately reducing pollution incidents.