The Independent Water Commission is inviting paddlers and the general public for their views on how to fix our broken water sector.
Sir Jon Cunliffe, the former Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, is leading the Commission which is due to report its findings to the Government in the summer.
It will explore how the structure, governance and regulation of the water sector could be reformed to better balance the many competing demands placed on our water resources and deliver value for money to the public.
Ben Seal, Paddle UK’s Head of Access and Environment, represented the Clean Water Sports Alliance, at the launch event in Manchester, where Sir Jon set out the key areas the Commission are seeking views on.
Independent Water Commission – Call for Evidence – Have your say >>
Sir Jon said the call for evidence will play a “key role in shaping the Commission’s thinking going forward”.
Paddle UK and the Clean Water Sports Alliance are due to attend a meeting with the Commission at the start of April.
This will be an important opportunity to highlight the need for stronger public health protections, particularly for recreational users.
The Alliance will be working closely with other campaign groups to submit written evidence in the coming weeks.
Water (Special Measures) Act
Paddle UK and our partners in The Clean Water Sports Alliance have also welcomed new legislation to crack down on water companies polluting our rivers, lakes and seas.
The Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 received Royal Assent, on 24 February, boosting the force of regulators to tackle pollution.
Independent Water Commission – Call for Evidence – Have your say >>
The changes will mean tougher penalties for any law-breaking water bosses, powers to ban bonuses for polluters, and automatic fines for water firms.
Ben Seal said:
“Paddle UK and The Clean Water Sports Alliance welcomes the Water (Special Measures) Act receiving Royal Assent.
“This legislation is a shot across the bows of polluting companies. Banning bonuses for failures and issuing tougher penalties is a very welcome first step by the Government – a down payment on the promised future reform that our broken system so desperately needs.
“Enjoying time in, on or alongside water is vitally important in supporting the health and wellbeing of millions of people.
“Our community has campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of the impact pollution is having on both people and nature.
“We will be watching closely to ensure that these new powers are used to their fullest, to hold polluters to account and begin to restore our precious blue spaces”.
The Independent Water Commission is leading the biggest industry review since privatisation.
The new legislation will provide powers for Ofwat to ban the payment of bonuses to water bosses if they fail to meet high standards to protect the environment, their consumers and their company’s finances.
