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Written question asked by Emma Lewell (Labour) on Thursday, 11 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 June 2026 (named day). It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Thursday, 18 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Water Companies: Fines

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 11 June 2026 to Question 6751, what sanctions are placed on water companies if they do not provide Ofwat with their regular monitoring reports.

Answer

Under the agreed undertakings, Northumbrian Water must provide Ofwat with regular monitoring reports on progress, including an initial report in June 2026 and further updates every six months. The company is also required to publish progress updates for customers and stakeholders on its website.

If Northumbrian Water fail to comply with this undertaking, Section 18 of the Water Industry Act 1991 gives Ofwat the power of further enforcement, which could include the issuing of an enforcement order and/or penalty.

More broadly, water companies are required to comply with their statutory and licence obligations, including providing information to Ofwat, and where they fail to do so, Ofwat has powers to take enforcement action.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
8999
Session
2026-27
Related items
Northumbrian Water
Thursday, 11 June 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Fines Water companies
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk