Audit committee chair presses Prime Minister on water investment hike at PR24

Environmental Audit Committee chair, Philip Dunne MP, at last week’s Prime Minister’s Questions pressed Boris Johnson on improving river water quality, following publication of the the committee's report on the issue.

He highlighted in particular: "One recommendation was that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs should give guidance to Ofwat to require water companies to invest much more in water treatment in the next round of capital spending approvals. Will my right hon. Friend encourage his secretary of state to give that guidance to Ofwat in the Strategic Policy Statement that is expected shortly?”

Johnson replied: “Yes, my right honourable friend is completely right, and I welcome the report by his committee. This government are going further and faster than any other government hitherto to protect and improve the health of our rivers and seas.”