35. Further meeting with DEFRA

On Wednesday 4 January Past Masters Peter Matthews and Rob Casey, Thames Warden Martin Bigg and I had a further Zoom meeting with DEFRA. This followed on from the previous meetings with DEFRA described in blog number 5 and ties in closely with our webinar programme, with our upcoming discussion dinner with the Minister in February, and with our showcase City Water Debate (on governance of the water sector) in March.

Prior to the meeting we had provided DEFRA with discussion papers on governance of the water sector and on water supply, drawing on the sterling inputs of some 20 of our members. At the meeting we discussed the need for improvements to the governance framework of the water sector and the associated water company price review process, given developments in national priorities and industry changes over the past thirty years. We also discussed the possibility of some form of cross sectoral commission which would reflect the views of all stakeholders and develop a genuine consensus (as opposed to the current sometimes partisan and fractious debate) on the future strategy for the water sector. DEFRA found the discussions very helpful and plan to set up a further meeting over the next month or so.

Our Company has an invaluable breadth of expertise and experience of what has (or has not) worked in the past in the water and environmental sector.  This makes us particularly well placed to convene and indeed formulate debate on the key issues. DEFRA’s positive response reflects this. I thank Peter Matthews and all involved for their commitment and efforts - you bring credit to our Company. We are living up to our strap line of ‘promoting a diverse and sustainable environment’.

 

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