Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the policy paper entitled A new vision for water: white paper, published on 20 January 2026, how members of the working groups were selected; which (a) people and (b) organisations participated in the working groups; and if she will publish the minutes of the working groups.

A wide range of stakeholders were consulted on reforms through the Independent Water Commission’s Call for Evidence, which received over 50,000 responses.

While there was not a formal working group for the White Paper, ahead of publication the Government also engaged with stakeholders across the water system, including investors, water companies, consumer groups, regulators and environmental groups.

The Government will continue to work constructively with interested parties on reforms and consult on specific measures as needed.