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Ofwat appoints interim chief executive after David Black departure
Ofwat appoints interim chief executive after David Black departure

The Independent

time3 days ago

  • Business
  • The Independent

Ofwat appoints interim chief executive after David Black departure

Ofwat has appointed an interim chief executive to take over from the outgoing boss as the embattled regulator prepares to be abolished. Chris Walters will take the helm from August 30, Ofwat announced on Thursday. It comes two days after the regulator announced that the incumbent chief executive, David Black, would be standing down after four years in the role. Mr Walters moves into the role from his current position as a senior director for the price review – the regulator's process for setting the price, service and incentive package for water companies for a five-year period. However, he will be overseeing Ofwat as ministers plan its dissolution in a major regulatory shake-up for the water industry. The government announced the move last month as part of its response to public fury over rising bills, sewage pollution and large bonuses for bosses. Ofwat may not be formally axed until at least 2027, with the process to overhaul the current system likely to be complex. The regulator said the board has made changes to the leadership structure to reflect the transitional nature of its work going forward. Currently, Ofwat oversees how much water companies in England and Wales can charge for services; the Drinking Water Inspectorate ensures that public water supplies are safe; while the Environment Agency and Natural England have regulatory functions to monitor firms' impact on nature. The regulators have faced intense criticism for overseeing companies during the years where they paid out to shareholders and accrued large debts while aging infrastructure crumbled and sewage spills skyrocketed. Under government plans, measures will be rolled out to merge their regulatory responsibilities into a 'single, powerful' regulator – one for England and another for Wales. It comes as one of 88 measures recommended by an independent review led by former Bank of England governor Sir Jon Cunliffe, which was commissioned by ministers to answer the widespread outrage over the ailing water sector. Ofwat said Mr Walters will be tasked with providing leadership for the organisation, but will also lead the engagement process with the government and industry as the recommendations are taken forward. As part of its own response to the crisis, Ofwat said it would allow firms to raise average bills from 2025 to 2030 to help finance a £104 billion upgrade for the sector as part of its 2024 price review. Elsewhere, Helen Campbell, Ofwat's senior director for sector performance, has been appointed as the executive director for delivery. Ms Campbell will also take up her new position from August 30, reporting directly to the board. In this role, she will take responsibility for ensuring the delivery of the £104 billion five-year expenditure programme. She will also oversee progress on the £50 billion pipeline of major infrastructure projects and the stabilisation of Thames Water, which is facing a severe financial crisis that has brought it to the brink of potential nationalisation.

Ofwat appoints interim chief executive as current boss Black steps down
Ofwat appoints interim chief executive as current boss Black steps down

The Independent

time3 days ago

  • Business
  • The Independent

Ofwat appoints interim chief executive as current boss Black steps down

Ofwat has appointed an interim chief executive to take over from the outgoing boss as the embattled regulator prepares to be abolished. Chris Walters will take the helm from August 30, Ofwat announced on Thursday. It comes two days after the regulator announced that the incumbent chief executive, David Black, would be standing down after four years in the role. Mr Walters moves into the role from his current position as a senior director for the price review – the regulator's process for setting the price, service and incentive package for water companies for a five-year period. However, he will be overseeing Ofwat as ministers plan its dissolution in a major regulatory shake-up for the water industry. The Government announced the move last month as part of its response to public fury over rising bills, sewage pollution and large bonuses for bosses. Ofwat may not be formally axed until at least 2027, with the process to overhaul the current system likely to be complex. The regulator said the board has made changes to the leadership structure to reflect the transitional nature of its work going forward. Currently, Ofwat oversees how much water companies in England and Wales can charge for services; the Drinking Water Inspectorate ensures that public water supplies are safe; while the Environment Agency and Natural England have regulatory functions to monitor firms' impact on nature. The regulators have faced intense criticism for overseeing companies during the years where they paid out to shareholders and accrued large debts while aging infrastructure crumbled and sewage spills skyrocketed. Under Government plans, measures will be rolled out to merge their regulatory responsibilities into a 'single, powerful' regulator – one for England and another for Wales. It comes as one of 88 measures recommended by an independent review led by former Bank of England governor Sir Jon Cunliffe, which was commissioned by ministers to answer the widespread outrage over the ailing water sector. Ofwat said Mr Walters will be tasked with providing leadership for the organisation, but will also lead the engagement process with the Government and industry as the recommendations are taken forward. As part of its own response to the crisis, Ofwat said it would allow firms to raise average bills from 2025 to 2030 to help finance a £104 billion upgrade for the sector as part of its 2024 price review. Elsewhere, Helen Campbell, Ofwat's senior director for sector performance, has been appointed as the executive director for delivery. Ms Campbell will also take up her new position from August 30, reporting directly to the board. In this role, she will take responsibility for ensuring the delivery of the £104 billion five-year expenditure programme. She will also oversee progress on the £50 billion pipeline of major infrastructure projects and the stabilisation of Thames Water, which is facing a severe financial crisis that has brought it to the brink of potential nationalisation.

Ofwat appoints interim chief executive as current boss Black steps down
Ofwat appoints interim chief executive as current boss Black steps down

Yahoo

time3 days ago

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Ofwat appoints interim chief executive as current boss Black steps down

Ofwat has appointed an interim chief executive to take over from the outgoing boss as the embattled regulator prepares to be abolished. Chris Walters will take the helm from August 30, Ofwat announced on Thursday. It comes two days after the regulator announced that the incumbent chief executive, David Black, would be standing down after four years in the role. Mr Walters moves into the role from his current position as a senior director for the price review – the regulator's process for setting the price, service and incentive package for water companies for a five-year period. However, he will be overseeing Ofwat as ministers plan its dissolution in a major regulatory shake-up for the water industry. The Government announced the move last month as part of its response to public fury over rising bills, sewage pollution and large bonuses for bosses. Ofwat may not be formally axed until at least 2027, with the process to overhaul the current system likely to be complex. The regulator said the board has made changes to the leadership structure to reflect the transitional nature of its work going forward. Currently, Ofwat oversees how much water companies in England and Wales can charge for services; the Drinking Water Inspectorate ensures that public water supplies are safe; while the Environment Agency and Natural England have regulatory functions to monitor firms' impact on nature. The regulators have faced intense criticism for overseeing companies during the years where they paid out to shareholders and accrued large debts while aging infrastructure crumbled and sewage spills skyrocketed. Under Government plans, measures will be rolled out to merge their regulatory responsibilities into a 'single, powerful' regulator – one for England and another for Wales. It comes as one of 88 measures recommended by an independent review led by former Bank of England governor Sir Jon Cunliffe, which was commissioned by ministers to answer the widespread outrage over the ailing water sector. Ofwat said Mr Walters will be tasked with providing leadership for the organisation, but will also lead the engagement process with the Government and industry as the recommendations are taken forward. As part of its own response to the crisis, Ofwat said it would allow firms to raise average bills from 2025 to 2030 to help finance a £104 billion upgrade for the sector as part of its 2024 price review. Elsewhere, Helen Campbell, Ofwat's senior director for sector performance, has been appointed as the executive director for delivery. Ms Campbell will also take up her new position from August 30, reporting directly to the board. In this role, she will take responsibility for ensuring the delivery of the £104 billion five-year expenditure programme. She will also oversee progress on the £50 billion pipeline of major infrastructure projects and the stabilisation of Thames Water, which is facing a severe financial crisis that has brought it to the brink of potential nationalisation.

VJ Day 80th anniversary service in Blaenavon, Torfaen
VJ Day 80th anniversary service in Blaenavon, Torfaen

South Wales Argus

time4 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • South Wales Argus

VJ Day 80th anniversary service in Blaenavon, Torfaen

Torfaen County Borough Council is organising the event to commemorate Victory over Japan Day, which marked the end of the Second World War in the Pacific theatre. The service will be held at 7pm on Friday, August 15, at St Peter's Church in Blaenavon. Councillor Anthony Hunt, leader of Torfaen County Borough Council, said: "VJ Day marks the final chapter of the Second World War and the beginning of peace after years of global conflict. "As we gather to reflect 80 years on, we honour the courage, resilience and sacrifice of those who served in the Pacific theatre. "Their legacy is one of peace, and it is our duty to remember and uphold the values they fought for. "Everyone is welcome to join the service in Blaenavon to pay tribute to this extraordinary generation." The service will be led by Reverend Dr Chris Walters and will include a slow march of standards and clergy, accompanied by processional music from Matthew Bartlett, known as The Welsh Wedding Bagpiper. Readings will be given by Phillip Alderman, HM Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Gwent, and The Rt Hon Nick Thomas-Symonds MP. The Toodle Pips, a South Wales vocal trio, will perform wartime classics including We'll Meet Again and Mr Sandman. Earlier this year, Torfaen marked VE Day 80 with a service at St Gabriel's Church in Cwmbran. The VJ Day service is open to all and aims to provide a space for reflection on the sacrifices made to secure peace and freedom. For more information about the event, contact Chris Slade on 01495 762200 or email

Three road closures in place for Narberth Civic Week events
Three road closures in place for Narberth Civic Week events

Western Telegraph

time19-07-2025

  • General
  • Western Telegraph

Three road closures in place for Narberth Civic Week events

The first will be for the week's traditional opener, the Civic Parade. The closure will be in place from 9.40 am to 10.20 am and then 11.30 am to 11.45 am and will affect Moorfield Road, Spring Gardens, St James Street and High Street. Civic Week's lively Pram Push event takes to the streets on Wednesday (July 23) from 6pm to 7.30pm. Closures will be in place between 6pm and 9pm High Street, Spring Gardens, A478 Bridge Hill, Castle Street, Market Street, Market Square, St James Street and Moorfield Road. There may be delays at St James Street as traffic is staggered towards Bridge Hill. The culmination of Civic Week is Narberth Carnival, which has reverted to its usual start time of 2pm this year. From 1pm to 3.30pm, to allow floats to assemble and disperse, Station Road (B4314) will be closed from the junction with St James Street to the junction with John Morgan Close. Then for the carnival parade, Water Street, High Street, Spring Gardens, St James Street, Market Square will be closed from 1.50pm to 3.30pm, Narnerth Civic Week chairman Chris Walters, in a message to local businesses and townspeople, said: 'We understand that road closures can cause some inconvenience, and we will always do our utmost to keep any disruption to a minimum. "Please be assured that we will reopen roads as soon as it is safe to do so.'

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