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 Written Statement of 18 July 2024 on First steps to reform water sector, HCWS3, under what circumstances compensation payments to customers will be triggered through the proposed strengthened protection and compensation for households and business measures.

The Secretary of State recently announced a series of initial steps towards ending the crisis in the water sector. This included strengthening protection and compensation for households and businesses when their basic water services are affected through the Guaranteed Standards Schemes (GSS). Subject to consultation, the amount of compensation customers are legally entitled to when key standards are not met will more than double and payments will also be triggered by a wider set of circumstances including Boil Water Notices.

The Guaranteed Standards Scheme (GSS) covers incidents of interruption to supply, low water pressure, and customer service incidents. This includes failing to respond to written complaints, keep appointments, and sewer flooding to customer properties. Subject to consultation, the scope these standards may be broadened.

I would also refer the hon. Member to the Written Statement made by the Secretary of State on 18 July: Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament.