Independent Water Commission publishes final report on water sector regulatory reform
The Independent Water Commission (IWC) has published its final report setting out 88 recommendations to reform the regulatory framework of the water sector in England and Wales, alongside a summary of over 50,000 responses to its February 2025 call for evidence. Building on preliminary conclusions released in June 2025, the report outlines recommendations across seven key themes: (1) strategic direction and planning; (2) legislative framework; (3) regulator reform; (4) regulation reform; (5) company structures, ownership, governance and management; (6) infrastructure and asset health; and (7) implementation. The report has been submitted to the UK and Welsh governments, which will respond and consult on the proposals, including potential legislation. The government also confirmed plans to fast track five of these recommendations, including the establishment of a new single water regulator to replace Ofwat. In autumn 2025, it will publish a White Paper outlining its full response to the IWC's final report, alongside an associated consultation. Following this, a new Water Reform Bill will be introduced early in the current parliamentary term.