Written questions

Water Companies: Conflict of Interests

Commons · Question 121496 · Tabled 17 Mar 2026 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Official record

Answered 24 Mar 2026

Question

Asked by Ian Byrne

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what safeguards are in place to prevent conflicts of interest arising between regulators of the water sector and the water and sewerage undertakers they regulate.

Answer

Answered by Emma Hardy, 24 Mar 2026

The Environment Agency (EA) and Ofwat have robust safeguards in place to prevent conflicts of interest between regulators and the water and sewerage companies they oversee. All EA employees, contractors and temporary workers must submit an annual declarat...