Water UK, the industry body representing water and wastewater companies, commissioned Frontier Economics to work with Water UK’s members to produce the 2050 Vision Discussion Paper.

This sets out the key challenges and opportunities facing the sector between now and 2050, how the sector intends to respond to those challenges, and proposed regulatory and policy changes which would help the sector get the best value for money from those responses.

Today sees the publication of this report, as well as the launch of a public consultation aimed at delivering an ambitious, long-term strategic plan for the whole water sector in England. Water UK is inviting stakeholders to respond to the Discussion Paper and give their views on the challenges, vision, strategic responses and how collaboration can achieve progress.

There are significant environmental and logistical challenges ahead, but also potential to develop new approaches to delivering water services for the long-term.

“The sector faces significant challenges between now and 2050, with the climate emergency being the biggest. This Discussion Paper, developed with Frontier Economics, is a first step towards a 2050 Vision that we and our stakeholders can all stand behind. We are seeking feedback from all stakeholders, and in the summer we will publish a final paper which sets out our Vision in more detail.” Christine McGourty, CEO, Water UK.

Project Director, Annabelle Ong said: “We’re delighted to have worked closely with Water UK and its members in England on this report. Given the challenges facing the sector, a 2050 Vision is needed and we hope that this work sparks constructive conversations and strengthened collaboration between the sector and government, regulators, the supply chain, customers and communities. We will continue to support Water UK as it reflects on stakeholders’ responses to the Discussion Paper, before producing a final Vision paper later in the year.”

Working alongside Annabelle in the project team was Chris Cuttle, as Project Manager, and Rob Francis, Phil Wickens, Muhammad Hassan, Fulvio Bondiolotti and Theres Lessing.