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Written question asked by Lord Kinnock (Labour) on Wednesday, 29 October 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 12 November 2025. It was answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour) on Monday, 15 December 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Water Companies: Privatisation

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they possess a statistical assessment of the social cost of leaving England's water companies in private ownership and, if so, whether they will publish it.

Answer

This Government is committed to protecting the most vulnerable. Defra has not carried out a statistical assessment of the social cost of water companies remaining privatised.

We expect water companies to ensure support is available for customers – through bill discount schemes and financial support measures. We are working with industry to keep support under review and have consulted on reforms to WaterSure. We will publish our response this year.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL11454
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Privatisation Water companies Social costs
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk