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Written question asked by Suella Braverman (Reform UK) on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 5 March 2026. It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 March 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Water: Small Businesses

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has made an assessment of the effectiveness of transparency of pricing information provided by non‑household water retailer; and what steps she is taking to ensure that small businesses can access clear, complete and comparable quotations for water and wastewater services.

Answer

The water retail market enables businesses, charities and public sector organisations in England to choose their retailer. This market can help to deliver lower bills and lead to improved services. If customers are not satisfied with the service they receive, they are free to switch to alternative retailers.

The water retail market is closely regulated and there are measures in place to protect customers. The Customer Protection Code of Practice states that information provided to non-household customers shall be in clear and plain language, complete, accurate and not misleading. Ofwat also set limits on the price customers pay if they have not switched or renegotiated a new deal, to prevent them losing out.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
117324
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Disclosure of information Prices Water Small businesses
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk