Smart Metering in the Water Industry: Deep Dive
18 September 2025
Insight Hub
21 July 2025
It is easy to get lost in headlines about regulators being abolished and water company profiteering. However, the Independent Water Commission’s final report, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe and published on 21 July 2025, sets out the most ambitious overhaul of the UK water sector since privatisation. With 88 formal recommendations, the Cunliffe Report outlines…
Read more16 June 2025
Is it Time for Public Sector Major Infrastructure Debt Guarantor? Ofwat, Government and Industry have identified that the UK’s water sector urgently needs substantial investment to modernise ageing infrastructure, tackle critical environmental issues, and comply with increasingly stringent regulations. The capital requirement could be as much as £12 billion per year. Recent high-profile incidents of…
Read more26 September 2024
The Competition Appeal Tribunal (“CAT”) is this week considering a landmark class action brought against six of England’s largest water companies. The case will have implications for Ofwat, water companies and customers alike. Our regulatory and competition experts consider what we know so far and what lies ahead for the parties and billpayers. Case Overview…
Read more9 September 2024
Overview The Water (Special Measures) Bill (Bill) introduces significant and wide-ranging changes to the regulatory framework governing water companies in the UK. The Bill aims to enhance the governance, accountability, and regulatory compliance of water companies in the UK. By introducing stricter penalties and enhancing consumer involvement, the Bill seeks to achieve Labour manifesto commitments…
Read more5 July 2024
The Manchester Ship Canal Company Ltd (Appellant) v United Utilities Water Ltd (Respondent) No 2 – Marcic reimagined – The scope for nuisance claims being brought against water companies has just been expanded and not necessarily clarified. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court issued a judgment which has the potential to be a watershed moment…
Read more8 August 2023
Rob Hann, (Head of Local Government at Sharpe Pritchard) sets out his views as to what can yet be done to help local authorities as they seek to manage the transition from PFI to new contractual arrangements. Rob has unique insight as to how the PFI investment programme for local government was successfully delivered from…
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