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Yahoo
27 minutes ago
- Yahoo
What are the key recommendations in the landmark water sector review?
The much-anticipated final report from the Independent Water Commission, led by former Bank of England deputy governor Sir Jon Cunliffe, has outlined 88 recommendations to the UK and Welsh governments to turn around the ailing industry. The Government has so far backed the review and is considering a piece of primary legislation to deliver many of the proposed changes. Here the PA news agency takes a look at the key recommendations in the report: – Overhauling the current system of regulation The review recommends overhauling the regulators and replacing them with one body for England and one body for Wales. For England, this would see Ofwat and the Drinking Water Inspectorate abolished, and the removal of the environmental regulation functions for the Environment Agency and Natural England. Instead, a 'joined-up' and 'powerful' single integrated water regulator would be established. In Wales, Ofwat's economic responsibilities would be integrated into Natural Resources Wales, the review said. – Setting up regional planning authorities Eight new regional water system planning authorities in England and one national authority in Wales should be set up, the review says. This would involve devolving current planning responsibilities and transferring resources from the regulators to these new authorities, which would be responsible for developing water investment plans that reflect local priorities and voices. – Introducing stronger consumer protections The commission recommends measures such as expanding the role of the voluntary Consumer Council for Water into an ombudsman to give stronger protection to customers and a clearer route to resolving complaints. It also proposes the introduction of a national social tariff to provide consistent support for low-income customers who need help to pay their bills and to transfer responsibility for consumer advocacy to Citizens Advice. – Stronger environmental regulations The report proposes stronger regulation on abstraction, sludge, drinking water standards and water supply. It also recommends improving the process where companies collect and analyse wastewater discharges they make into waterways by introducing more digitalisation, automation, third-party assurance and inspections. After one of the driest springs on record, it recommends compulsory water metering, changes to wholesale tariffs for industrial users and greater water reuse and rainwater harvesting schemes. – Tightening oversight of water company ownership and governance The commission recommends new regulatory powers to block changes to water company ownership, for example, where investors are not seen to be prioritising the long-term interests of the company and its customers. It also suggests new 'public benefit' clauses in water company licences and recommends the regulator set 'minimum capital' requirements so that companies are less reliant on debt and more financially resilient. – Public health reforms The report covers legislative reforms to better manage public health risks in water, recognising the many people who swim, surf and enjoy other water-based activities. These include public health objectives in water quality legislation, senior public health representation on regional water planning authorities and legislative changes to address emerging pollutants such as PFAs, also known as forever chemicals, micropollutants and microplastics. – Fundamentally resetting economic regulation This recommendation includes a new 'supervisory' approach that supports tailored decisions and earlier interventions in water company oversight. The report also makes recommendations on the Price Review process, including changes to ensure companies are investing in and maintaining assets and to help attract long-term, low-risk investment. – Providing a clear strategic direction The commission said both the UK and Welsh governments should publish a new long-term National Water Strategy with a minimum horizon of 25 years and interim milestones. It also says a set of ministerial priorities specifically for the water industry should be issued to regulators every five years, replacing the current strategic policy statement. – Infrastructure and asset health reforms The report sets out changes in how water infrastructure is managed, monitored and delivered to better safeguard the provision of water and management of wastewater for future generations. They include new requirements for companies to map and assess their assets – such as pipes, treatment works and pumping stations. It also calls for resilience standards that are forward-looking and applied consistently across the industry.
Fox News
30 minutes ago
- Fox News
King Charles ‘cautious and wary' of Prince Harry's latest attempt to mend royal rift: expert
King Charles III is said to be "cautious and wary" about his son's latest peace offering. The claim was made by British royals expert Hilary Fordwich following reports that Prince Harry is hopeful that the Invictus Games, which are taking place in his home country in 2027, will result in a warm reunion with the royal family, particularly with the monarch. "King Charles, while cautious and wary, might attend the Invictus Games," Fordwich told Fox News Digital. "But of course, he prefers all private matters to remain private. In addition, there are many conflicts with the royal schedule, let alone Queen Camilla's 80th birthday during the games." "For Harry, it's about what he can gain, while, for the royals, it's about what they have to lose," Fordwich claimed. "Harry wants to be included. He misses not only the U.K. but many aspects of royal privileges. However, he hasn't been successful in any of his endeavors. For the royals, more disclosures and scandals are concerning. They simply don't need… Harry around, particularly not Prince William, who is resolute regarding any reconciliation being a huge mistake." Fox News Digital reached out to Buckingham Palace and Archewell, which handles the offices of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, for comment. It's understood that sending invites to the Invictus Games is not Harry's responsibility, but up to the Invictus team. Still, it would be a heartfelt gesture for the king to support his younger son publicly. Talks of a royal reunion have been a hot topic since the recent "peace summit" took place. According to the Mail on Sunday, Meredith Maines, the Duke of Sussex's chief of staff and communications director, flew from California to London recently to meet with the king's communications secretary, Tobyn Andreae. Liam Maguire, who oversees the U.K. press for Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, was also present. Fox News Digital learned that Maines was in London to meet with the U.K.-based communications team, media, stakeholders and senior figures connected to Harry's patronages. It's understood that the visit was routine and part of ongoing planning and engagement. WATCH: PRINCE HARRY LOOKING TO RECONCILE WITH KING CHARLES, ROYAL FAMILY A source told the Mail on Sunday that the meeting was only the "first step towards reconciliation between Harry and his father, but at least it is a step in the right direction." "It was always the case that the Sussexes, who rely on their royal connections for the work they receive, were going to use the Invictus Games, an important military charity, to promote the idea of 'reconciliation,'" royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams explained to Fox News Digital. "No one can disagree with the theory of it, but the fact is that they have exploited their royal connections whilst trashing the family and making Queen Elizabeth's last years so difficult," Fitzwilliams claimed. "King Charles is in his late 70s and is battling cancer," he continued. "He also would like a relationship with the grandchildren he has hardly seen. Also, as monarch, he is commander in chief of the Armed Forces. Is it difficult, therefore, for him to refuse to attend the Games for personal reasons." Helen Helliwell, CEO of the Invictus Games in Birmingham, recently told People magazine that she also hopes members of the British royal family will be in attendance for the 2027 event. "We [would] be delighted if they came over for the year out and for the Games," she told the outlet. "We are so far out it's impossible for one individual to confirm their plans, but we would be delighted if the Duke were able to come." "I've seen the impact [of the Games]," Helliwell shared. "His passion is unsurpassed. He really brings a magical sparkle dust to his interactions, and there is a really special relationship with him and the community. So, we will be super excited to host him in Birmingham as well." Helliwell pointed out that the royals are "supporters of the Armed Forces." "We're two years away, and it's too soon to confirm who's going to be there," she said. "But obviously, we'd be delighted if members of the royal family were able to attend and would very much welcome their presence in a couple of years' time." Still, Fordwich pointed out that several senior royals reportedly don't trust the Duke of Sussex, 40. Since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's royal exit in 2020, the couple has publicly discussed their struggles with royal life in interviews and documentaries. Harry's 2023 memoir "Spare" also laid bare embarrassing details about the House of Windsor and shed light on his sibling rivalry with his brother Prince William, heir to the British throne. The royals never publicly commented on Harry's tell-all. But many experts believe they're still not over it and the damage it caused to the monarchy's reputation. "The major issue continues to be the lack of trust any of the senior royals can ever have in Harry," said Fordwich. "Time after time, he has rejected his family's values, he reveals private family matters, which is unprecedented, and, in general, has behaved in an abhorrent manner. For any family, such a betrayal would be hard to forgive, let alone having been part of such a highly sensitive environment." Fitzwilliams claimed that senior royals have been "keeping their guard up." "Trusting the Sussexes is out of the question," he claimed. "Reconciliation is desirable… [But] it is considered unlikely that William wants any contact. Turbulent times lie ahead." In May, Harry told the BBC that he wanted reconciliation, but that his father, 76, wouldn't speak to him. Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner claimed to Fox News Digital that as the king continues to battle cancer, his young grandchildren would be on his mind. "I feel King Charles would love to be involved with his American grandchildren, showing them Highgrove and Balmoral," he said. "I feel this is an opportunity not to be missed. It would make the legacy of the king complete to see his whole family united… It would also be a timely reminder for those seeking to rule the monarchy that Charles, as king, is still the supreme leader and makes his own decisions." "It is time for the king to make strong decisions that reflect the values of the oath he took to serve all people," Turner added. Still, British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital it would take a lot more than extending an olive branch to his father for Harry to win over the family. "He can start by being more self-aware – throw down his sword and end the family attacks for good," Chard suggested. "Showing some contrition wouldn't go amiss either. It also doesn't help that the Invictus Games fall on Queen Camilla's 80th birthday… Prince Harry needs to start building bridges if he wants to redeem himself. I am dubious… as he is contradictory. He constantly feels so hard done by." During his sit-down with the BBC, Harry admitted. "I don't know how much longer my father has," referring to his cancer diagnosis. "There's no point in continuing to fight anymore," he said.
Yahoo
39 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Mikel Arteta convinced Arsenal were '100%' right in handling of Thomas Partey after midfielder charged over multiple counts of rape & sexual assault
Ghanaian first arrested in 2022 Charged after contract expired Due in court on August 5, 2025 Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱 WHAT HAPPENED? The Ghana international has been charged with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault relating to alleged offences that took place between 2021 and 2022. Partey was first arrested in 2022 but was not named at the time and continued to represent Arsenal. THE BIGGER PICTURE His contract at Emirates Stadium came to an end on June 30, as he was released as a free agent, and he was charged four days later. Arsenal said at the time: "The player's contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case." WHAT ARTETA SAID Quizzed on the matter during Arsenal's pre-season tour of Asia, with the Premier League outfit currently in Singapore, Arteta said: "The club was very clear in its statement. There are a lot of legal matters that are very complicated so I cannot comment on any of that." Pressed on whether he was confident that the club had followed all of the correct processes relating to Partey, the Spaniard added: "100 per cent." WHAT NEXT FOR PARTEY? Partey is due to appear at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 5. The 32-year-old has always maintained his innocence and denies all of the allegations made against him.
