Simon Jack: Will the water industry proposals make any difference?

A review of the water industry in England and Wales proposes significant reforms, including scrapping the current regulator Ofwat and introducing stronger environmental regulations. Sir Jon Cunliffe's 88 recommendations aim to address issues like leaking pipes and sewage spills, signaling the need for substantial investment to catch up with decades of neglect. The reforms target excessive debt and inappropriate dividends in companies like Thames Water, aiming to ensure long-term resilience and sustainability in the sector. If implemented, these changes could lead to improvements in the underinvested and criticized water industry.