7 July 2025

In October 2024 the UK government launched an independent commission (Cunliffe commission) on the English and Welsh water systems. While we welcome such an initiative, the remit of the government’s commission is restricted in two main ways:

• The scope is limited to improving regulation of the current system rather than considering alternative models of water provision, or providing solutions to ensure we have a robust sustainable and resilient water system.

• Participation in the government’s commission is limited to stakeholders within the sector with little scope for involvement from the public who use water services and whose bills finance the entire water sector.

This has been reinforced by the independent commission’s interim report which fails to address the public’s concerns about pollution, profiteering, and the failure of the current water sector. The Cunliffe interim report suggests more security for privatised water companies, and more bureaucracy, but is not currently offering the radical solution and shake-up needed.

The People’s Commission, led by four academics from UK universities, aims to broaden the scope of the government commission, with public meetings in local venues across England. We have taken evidence from sector experts and water users, and draw on international experience to devise policy options for a sustainable, equitable and effective water system.

The People’s Commission published its report on the 7th July 2025. It is available here