31/08/09
Water companies in England have received ministerial decisions on statutory water resource management plans. Some will be subject to a public hearing or inquiry.
Each hearing will need to address whether the company has identified the right options to ensure secure water supplies for their customers over the next 25 years.
This is a very important question, but here is another, just as important, that impacts all company resource plans: how can ministers ensure that plans they have signed off will be implemented if Ofwat does not allow companies to raise the finance needed?
An apparent lack of consistency between Ofwat's draft determinations and ministerial decisions on water resource managment plans makes this a matter of concern for everyone with an interest in the water sector.
Water resources planning: The Secretary of State’s decisions
Contact: Bruce Horton
