The Cunliffe Review into the water sector was published this morning. And there’s lots to digest from it.
However, one thing that concerns me is the prospect of giving more powers to Natural Resources Wales, the Senedd’s failed environmental regulator. Don’t forget, of the top 20 most polluted rivers in Britain, 5 are located in Wales.
I’ve long said that NRW is too big. It has both regulatory and commercial functions. It wastes almost £150,000 annually on divisive “diversity, equality and inclusion” roles. Put simply, this organisation must be closed and replaced.
The report says a new economic regulator for Wales is required. It suggests this could sit within NRW. This would be a huge mistake. NRW can’t cope with the powers it has already. Giving them even more would be a recipe for disaster. Put simply, this cannot be allowed to happen.
I welcome that the report recognises cross-border cooperation with England is required. After all, our water infrastructure does not start and end at Offa’s Dyke. Cross-border water bodies operate across the River Wye.
For the same reasons, I welcome that the report recommends the Drinking Water Inspectorate continues to operate across England and Wales.
Despite being “non-profit”, Dwr Cymru Welsh Water pays its executives hundreds of thousands a year. In 2021, its CEO received total remuneration of £892,000. This cannot be right.
Separatists will try to argue that the solution is to give even more powers to the Senedd. I strongly disagree. NRW is under complete control of Senedd ministers, and it has failed.
I’m not for one moment suggesting things are perfect in England. But whether it’s sewage discharges or NHS waiting lists, things are far, far worse in Wales. Senedd ministers have to answer for this.
In Wales, Senedd ministers are responsible for the sewage scandal.
They must be held to account.
NOTE: You can read the full review here https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/687dfcc4312ee8a5f0806be6/Independent_Water_Commission_-_Final_Report_-_21_July.pdf
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