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Written question asked by Alison Griffiths (Conservative) on Friday, 3 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 July 2026 (named day). It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Thursday, 9 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Water Companies: Ombudsman

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the timetable is for establishing a statutory Water Ombudsman; what assessment she has made of the powers required to provide effective redress to customers; and whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of an Ombudsman on access to redress for customers served by water companies operating in coastal communities, including Southern Water.

Answer

The Government will establish the Water Ombudsman at the earliest opportunity.

The Government is applying best practice from other sectors, such as energy, communications, finance and rail, to develop a model which includes the powers required to provide effective redress to customers. The Government is also engaging with the relevant regulator and other persons appearing to be representative of persons who have an interest in the matter.

The Government will ensure there are routes for redress and legally binding resolutions for water customers, including those in coastal communities, under the Water Ombudsman when a water company has failed to resolve a customer complaint.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
15846
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Coastal areas Ombudsman Water companies
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk