The publication of Defra’s Water White Paper in January 2026 marks one of the most pivotal moments for the water sector in a generation. The paper sets out the Government’s response to the Independent Water Commission’s Review, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, which was commissioned in 2024. 

After years of escalating public concern, fracturing trust, climate driven pressures on water security, and a regulatory system creaking under the weight of short term incentives in the face of sustained long term investment demands. This is a rare opportunity to reset the framework that governs one of our most essential public services. A chance like this does not come often — and if we get it right, the benefits could endure for decades. If we get it wrong, the consequences will be equally long lasting. 


With that in mind, we’re keen to work with Government to help shape the reforms set out in the White paper. We’re experiencing the realities of the current system every day, so we want to use that experience to shape the future.  


Below you’ll find links to key documents on our response to the White Paper, as well as policy papers setting out some of the key issues.  


Our initial response to the White Paper. 

 

Policy papers 


Recognising the importance of this opportunity, in collaboration with Oxera, we have developed a suite of papers designed to consider the critical components of reform that it's essential to get right. These papers are available below: 

 

Overall report.


Paper 1: Attracting Investment 
Paper 2: Monitoring progress through a balanced scorecard 

Paper 3: Aligning Institutions

Paper 4: An effective transition

Paper 5: Supervision and enforcement