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Epoch Times
4 hours ago
- Business
- Epoch Times
Water Sector Suffering From ‘Deep-Rooted' Failures, Review Warns
The water sector is beset with 'deep-rooted, systemic' failures, and needs fundamental reform of laws, regulation, and infrastructure, a review has warned. The Independent Water Commission was tasked by the UK and Welsh governments to carry out the largest review of the sector since privatisation in the face of widespread public anger over pollution, bills, and bosses' bonuses although ministers ruled out nationalising water companies. Its interim report has been published as Britain's biggest water company Thames Water is again facing the spectre of temporary nationalisation after private equity firm KKR pulled out of plans for a £3 billion bailout. Another of England's private water firms, South West Water, reported widening financial losses after an outbreak of a parasite in water supplies cost it millions. And water supplies are under pressure after the driest spring in decades has left farmers struggling and millions of households facing the possibility of hosepipe bans, while ministers have warned climate change, a rising population and crumbling infrastructure is putting future supplies at risk. In the interim report published on Tuesday, the commission said multiple issues need to be tackled to rebuild public trust in the ailing sector. Related Stories 6/3/2025 5/28/2025 It called for regulator Ofwat's role to be strengthened and for the watchdog to adopt a more 'supervisory' approach to oversight of water firms. Former Bank of England Deputy Governor Sir Jon Cunliffe, who led the review into the water sector in England and Wales, told the BBC that more effective regulation was a huge part of solving the problem, with a regulator that could step in early before things got worse. He said, 'Because when they get worse, as you can see, they are very difficult to sort out, and we need an environmental regulator with the capability to monitor and enforce.' He also said that having regulators with different remits and responsibilities for different parts of the process had made the water system 'expensive and incoherent.' People take a selfie on the dry cracked earth at Baitings Reservoir in Ripponden, West Yorkshire, on Aug. 12, 2022. Danny Lawson/PA The interim review urges the government to provide clearer long-term direction on what is needed from the water system, and warns key elements of current legislation are 'badly in need of review and rationalisation.' It proposes greater regional decision-making around local water systems, and emphasises the need for a greater focus on long-term, responsible investment and ownership within the industry. It is also considering new standards for the water sector's crumbling infrastructure, warning there is insufficient understanding of the health of assets such as pipes and water treatment plants. Companies should plan for long-term resilience of 'critical assets,' not simply fix things when they fail, it warned. Cunliffe said: 'There is no simple, single change, no matter how radical, that will deliver the fundamental reset that is needed for the water sector. 'We have heard of deep-rooted, systemic and interlocking failures over the years—failure in government's strategy and planning for the future, failure in regulation to protect both the billpayer and the environment, and failure by some water companies and their owners to act in the public, as well as their private, interest. 'My view is that all of these issues need to be tackled to rebuild public trust and make the system fit for the future. We anticipate that this will require new legislation.' Anger has been growing over the polluted state of rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, leaks and sewage spills at the same time as significant shareholder payouts and bosses' bonuses, and bills which were hiked in April to pay for investment to fix creaking infrastructure. On Tuesday, Thames Water announced private equity giant KKR has pulled out of plans to invest in the company, in the latest blow to the struggling and heavily indebted utility. Thames Water—which supplies 16 million customers—had hoped KKR would invest more than £3 billion of new equity amid fears the supplier was running out of cash, and its withdrawal from the deal raises the spectre of a temporary government nationalisation once more. And South West Water's owner Pennon has reported widening losses after a parasite outbreak in Brixham, South Devon, cost it around £21 million. The outbreak put some people in hospital and left thousands of homes without safe drinking water, some for weeks. A Surfers Against Sewage activist holds a board reading "End sewage pollution" during a protest in Brighton, southern England, on May 20, 2023. Ben Stansall/AFP via Getty Images Though the interim review points to the need for better regulation of water companies, it does not recommend the wholesale scrapping of watchdog Ofwat which some have urged, and nationalisation—which some campaigners have called for—was excluded from its terms of reference. Environment Secretary Steve Reed said he had commissioned the water commission to outline recommendations for a 'once in a generation' opportunity to transform the water industry and delivered for the public. 'The government will respond to the commission in full in due course and outline next steps to benefit customers, attract investment, and clean up our waterways for good,' he said. Environmental campaigners called for the final report, expected later in the summer, to reshape the water sector to put public health and the environment first, and for the government to implement ambitious reforms. Richard Benwell, chief executive of the Wildlife and Countryside Link, a coalition of 89 nature organisations, demanded, 'Politicians must stop equivocating and set clear strategic direction for environmental recovery.' A spokesperson for industry body Water UK said: 'Everyone agrees that the water industry is not working. 'We hope this report will be a starting point for the fundamental reforms the sector needs. 'We need a less complicated system which allows investment to get quickly to where it needs to go,' they said, adding the sector was spending £104 billion in the next five years to secure water supplies, cut sewage, and support economic growth.
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scot Gov declines to reveal cost of Intercity bids process
Asked for comment, leading rail union ASLEF has said the government must be transparent in its dealings and ensure that any purchases benefit taxpayers. Transport Scotland announced in December that the Intercity fleet, which consists of 25 high speed trains (HSTs) serving routes between Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness; would be replaced. However, six months later, details of the bidding process are scarce. Scot Gov refused to provide details of the procurement process (Image: Jane Barlow/PA).According to Public Contracts Scotland, the deadline for bidding on the contract was 3 February, while selected candidates were invited to submit tenders on 3 March. The procurement notice states that a contract is expected to be awarded by 28 November, running until 31 December 2035. Responding to our FOI request, the Scottish Government declined to share any details of the firms involved, informing The Herald: 'Please note that due to the sensitivity of the commercial information related to the replacement of the High Speed Trains, some commercial details of this procurement would be considered confidential, as releasing them would or would likely substantially harm ScotRail's economic interests.' When asked to provide details of the cost incurred since the procurement process began, the government wrote: 'It would not be possible to ascertain with confidence how much has been spent so far, as preparation for any exercise of such a scale involves a staff cost element (including Scottish Government, ScotRail Trains and Scottish Rail Holdings employees) and it would not be possible to attribute this element with accuracy.' However, The Herald has been told that the search for bids, expected to last 12 months, is going according to schedule. Train drivers' union ASLEF has weighed in (Image: Danny Lawson/PA).Train drivers' union ASLEF has called on the government to commit to more transparency going forward. Scottish Organiser Kevin Lindsay told The Herald: 'Our members wish to see a fleet which meets with modern crashworthiness standards. 'Transparency should be at the heart of the Scottish Government's procurement process. Procurement processes to replace rolling stock should always benefit the taxpayer, not the rolling stock companies.' Lindsay went on to say that any future procurements should be carried out using the government's existing borrowing powers, instead of relying on 'profiteering' rolling stock companies. The union boss previously wrote to then-Transport Minister Kevin Stewart in April 2023, urging him to replace 'antiquated' HSTs with modern 222s units, which were described as 'safe and clean'. However, these suggestions were dismissed 'out of hand' at the hand, according to the union. Concerns over the 50-year-old fleet were raised in the wake of the deadly Carmont rail crash west of Stonehaven, which tragically claimed the lives of Christopher Stuchbury, Donald Dinnie and Brett McCullough in August 2020. Three years later, a driver's cabin was crushed after a HST struck a fallen tree in December 2023 near Broughty Ferry. While the train's driver was able to shelter behind his seat, the safety of the aging fleet was again brought into question. The deadly Carmont crash led to questions over the future of the HST fleet. Now, a new report released by ASLEF, entitled 'A Vision for Financing Scotland's Railways', states that the government could save the taxpayer millions of pounds if they use green bonds (funds earmarked for environmental projects) to pay for the new fleet. The report's co-author Professor Andrew Cumbers, of Glasgow University, said the government could save as much as £362m. He remarked: 'Our research suggests that funding the next generation of rolling stock directly through the Scottish Government's existing borrowing powers, using Green Bonds, could be as much as 70% cheaper than through private finance. 'For the next order of suburban passenger trains, we have calculated that savings of at least £144m and up to £362m (compared to a private finance deal) could be made. 'Rather than leaking out of the system to fund private profits, this revenue could be used to reduce ticket prices and invest further in the country's transport infrastructure, while creating local jobs and training opportunities.' Read more from Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco: Top Scottish universities to review trans policies after Supreme Court ruling Drivers racked up £1.7m in LEZ fines since 2023, figures show Aberdeen City Council's £1m law bill revealed amidst spate of legal challenges Responding to The Herald's request for comment, ScotRail declined to say how many firms were involved in the procurement process. ScotRail Strategy & Planning Director Scott Prentice noted: 'We know the high-speed trains have been popular with customers on routes connecting Scotland's eight cities, but replacing the oldest trains in our fleet is essential to encouraging more people to choose rail over car travel. 'Replacing these trains will improve service reliability and fleet availability, delivering better journeys for customers across the country. It also means more trains will be available for service each day for customers in Fife, the Borders, and between Aberdeen and Inverness. 'This is a key step in our wider plan to modernise the fleet in partnership with Transport Scotland and Network Rail.'
Wales Online
7 days ago
- Wales Online
Man arrested after Liverpool FC parade crash is described as 'normal, well balanced guy'
Man arrested after Liverpool FC parade crash is described as 'normal, well balanced guy' The 53-year-old, who has not been named, was detained by Merseyside Police on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs Police and emergency services struggle to get down Dale Street due to the amount of traffic after the Liverpool FC parade crash A 53 year old man has been arrested by Merseyside Police under suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving, and operating a vehicle while impaired due to drugs. The police have received an extension to continue questioning him as the probe advances. Following the appalling event, the tally of casualties has escalated to 79, including young children. According to the most recent update from authorities, seven individuals remain in hospital in stable condition. The individual, identified by The Times as presumably a business proprietor, resides in a detached house in a Liverpool suburb alongside his schoolteacher spouse and their offspring. Per social media accounts, he has participated in triathlon events and enjoyed vacations in far-flung locales. Police issue Liverpool parade crash update as seven still in hospital READ MORE: Law enforcement is meticulously scrutinising what they termed as "horrific" dashcam recordings from the MPV assumed to have been involved in Monday's episode in the city centre, reports the Liverpool Echo. A mechanic who last year worked on a dark grey Ford Galaxy owned by the family has corroborated that it is indeed the same vehicle implicated in the incident. Investigations are ongoing following the crash which left 79 people injured (Image: Danny Lawson/PA Wire ) Following the arrest late on Monday evening, police presence was noted outside the family's four-bedroom house. A local resident remarked:. "He was very thoughtful, and would look out for older residents in the street. I really struggle to believe how he could be the [arrested man]. He's the last person on this street I would have thought would be connected to something like that. "I feel awfully sorry for the people who were hurt during the parade. But I feel very sorry for his family as well, who always struck me as nice, decent people." CCTV captures a car driving down Dale Street moments before the crash (Image: Daily Mirror ) One neighbour reminisced about a time when the suspect had come to their aid in the wee hours to assist with a malfunctioning alarm system. A past resident from the same street shared: "I briefly chatted to him six months ago. He seemed fairly normal, and as people go quite down to earth and a normal, well balanced guy." He continued: "He was quite proud of his oldest child, and he was telling me how well they were doing. I got the sense he's proud of his family." Another previous neighbour described the suspect's family as "very nice, very friendly", mentioning their kindness towards her elderly mother. Article continues below Authorities have clarified that the crash is not being considered an act of terrorism. Merseyside Police are currently sifting through CCTV footage from the vicinity as part of their ongoing investigation. It's also been reported that dashcam video from the suspect's car is under scrutiny and could potentially serve as evidence should the matter proceed to court.
Leader Live
28-05-2025
- Leader Live
Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after Liverpool parade
In a press conference held this afternoon by Merseyside Police (Tuesday, May 27) it was confirmed that a 53-year-old man from West Derby had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs after dozens of people were injured at the parade to celebrate Liverpool winning the Premier League. A Ford Galaxy hit crowds of people at Liverpool's victory parade on Monday (May 26) just after 6pm after it followed an ambulance after a road block was temporarily lifted so paramedics could help a man who suffered a suspected heart attack. Merseyside Police said there were a total of 65 confirmed casualties and that 11 people remained in hospital, with officers looking into whether the driver attempted to follow an ambulance that was moving through the crowd. Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims from Merseyside Police speaking during a press conference at police headquarters (Image: Danny Lawson) Speaking at the press conference, Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill said: 'I want to reassure the public of Merseyside that detectives are making significant progress as we seek to establish the full circumstances that led to this awful incident and bring the person responsible to justice. "We have a total of 65 confirmed casualties, many of whom required hospital treatment. 'Further work is ongoing to identify other people affected, and we will continue to support these individuals in the days and weeks to come.' While an investigation into the incident continues, there has been an outpouring of support for Liverpool fans and the emergency services who dealt with the collision.
North Wales Chronicle
27-05-2025
- North Wales Chronicle
Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after Liverpool parade
In a press conference held this afternoon by Merseyside Police (Tuesday, May 27) it was confirmed that a 53-year-old man from West Derby had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs after dozens of people were injured at the parade to celebrate Liverpool winning the Premier League. A Ford Galaxy hit crowds of people at Liverpool's victory parade on Monday (May 26) just after 6pm after it followed an ambulance after a road block was temporarily lifted so paramedics could help a man who suffered a suspected heart attack. Merseyside Police said there were a total of 65 confirmed casualties and that 11 people remained in hospital, with officers looking into whether the driver attempted to follow an ambulance that was moving through the crowd. Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims from Merseyside Police speaking during a press conference at police headquarters (Image: Danny Lawson) Speaking at the press conference, Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill said: 'I want to reassure the public of Merseyside that detectives are making significant progress as we seek to establish the full circumstances that led to this awful incident and bring the person responsible to justice. "We have a total of 65 confirmed casualties, many of whom required hospital treatment. 'Further work is ongoing to identify other people affected, and we will continue to support these individuals in the days and weeks to come.' While an investigation into the incident continues, there has been an outpouring of support for Liverpool fans and the emergency services who dealt with the collision.
