Abolishing Ofwat and streamlining water regulation will give the sector the clarity and accountability it needs to attract private investment, says environment secretary Steve Reed

Today is the start of a water revolution. When I came into office a year ago, it was immediately clear our water system needed a complete reset. There were high levels of sewage pollution, ageing infrastructure, a lack of investment and an unpredictable regulatory system.

I did not hesitate to act, bringing in new laws through the Water Act to make immediate, necessary changes to stabilise the water system. During the last 12 months our language has been uncompromising on water companies, but standards haven’t been met, and the public has been let down.

But I also want to acknowledge where the water industry has been making an important contribution to this government’s central mission of growth and opportunity. Investment over the coming years will deliver thousands of jobs, new reservoirs and new innovations like use of Artificial Intelligence to detect leaks and sewage spills are........

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