Defra sets out Strategic Policy Statement for Ofwat

Article summary

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the Strategic Policy Statement (SPS) for Ofwat was laid in Parliament on 2 February 2022 and, subject to Parliament's views, will be published after 40 days. The SPS urges Ofwat to do more to ensure England’s water industry is protecting the environment and outlines the regulator's priorities for the coming five years. This includes expectations that Ofwat and water companies prioritise the enhancement of the environment while maintaining a resilient and sustainable water supply by, for example, reducing the frequency and volume of sewage discharges from storm overflows. The SPS also urges Ofwat to address unsustainable abstraction, protect priority sites and ensure better flood resilience.