Regional co-ordination

The aim of this project is to consider a range of options and present recommendations for improving the regulatory framework so it better supports and incentivises the co-ordinated planning, development and operation of new and existing water resources to deliver greatest public value across multiple sectors in addition to resilient public water supply.

Customer wants to understand how its frameworks and institutional arrangements might need to evolve to enable better co-ordination in the:

 Planning;

 Procurement

 Construction; and

 Operation of water resources.

The regional groups continue to make significant progress as they develop co-ordinated water resources plans, to meet the long-term water resources needs of customers and other industries. These plans will incorporate interventions to deliver environmental improvements, such as reducing abstractions from sensitive sources. This is an important first step in achieving co-ordinated Order Form - Consultancy Services

Commercial - Sensitive

outcomes. Nonetheless, it is critical that the regional plans might be delivered in an effective and co-ordinated manner, particularly for multi-party/multi-sector programmes.

Any future regulatory framework will need to ensure that water supply, including transfers and new supplies, is resilient, is managed safely and efficiently, and meets the local, regional and national needs of people and the environment while maximising the opportunity to deliver the widest benefits.

Additional information: For further information, please contact procurement@ofwat.gov.uk