1 hour ago Water companies face biggest overhaul in a generation as new regulator unveiled

A chief engineer will also sit inside the new water regulator for the first time in two decades

Politics

9 h. ago Water firms could be let off pollution fines as part of government overhaul

Exclusive: Campaigners claim changes will let companies ‘off the hook’, as government prepares to unveil new white paper for water industryWater companies could be let off fines for polluting the environment under changes announced in the government’s new white paper.The environment secretary, Emma Reynolds, hailed the changes as “once-in-a-generation reforms” featuring “tough oversight, real accountability and no more excuses”. Continue reading...

Politics

9 h. ago Water companies to undergo ‘MOTs’ as plans for new regulator to be unveiled

Ofwat will unlikely be formally axed before 2027, and the process to establish the new regulator will be complex.

Politics

9 h. ago Major change means water firms have 'nowhere to hide' after disasters

Water companies will be left with 'nowhere to hide' as ministers unveil major plans to overhaul the industry after years of soaring bills, supply issues and sewage pollution

Events

2 d. ago Troubled waters: How the UK’s water companies became a national disgrace

Outages in Kent and Sussex this week became the latest in a long list of breakdowns in the UK’s creaking water system. Harry Cockburn asks how Britain can solve its utilities crisis

Events

1 week ago Country diary: Everything is frozen, but still the finches come | Amanda Thomson

Abernethy Forest, Cairngorms: Thanks to a local collaborative effort, linnets, bramblings, green and goldfinches are coming to this field in joyful flocksIt’s -6C and I’m off to what has been a regular haunt recently – a field planted by a small, community-run charity, Speyside Fields for Wildlife, which works with local farmers, crofters and others to take over “spare” fields and land for wildlife-friendly crops.Some sites are planted with annuals such as cornflower, corncockle, marigold and poppy – important sources of pollen, nectar and flowers that used to grow among the grain crops before herbicides became commonplace. Others, such as this one on a hill farm, have been planted with seed crops that benefit birds and other wildlife during autumn and winter. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago Japan’s ‘most dangerous’ nuclear power plant admits to manipulating earthquake safety data

Regulator halts review to restart Hamaoka power plant after 14 years

Events

1 week ago Japan nuclear plant admits to manipulating earthquake safety data

Regulator halts review to restart Hamaoka power plant after 14 years

Events

2 w. ago Starmer prepares for parliamentary battles over his EU ‘reset’ policy

Planned legislation could hand ministers significant powers to forge closer regulatory ties with BrusselsKeir Starmer is set to face fresh battles over his EU “reset” with his plans to lay a bill that could lead to closer regulatory ties with Brussels.The legislation aims to introduce an alignment mechanism for the agrifoods and electricity trading deals agreed with EU leaders but still under negotiation. Continue reading...

Events

2 w. ago Starmer prepares for parliamentary battles over imminent EU ‘reset’ bill

Planned legislation could hand ministers significant powers to forge closer regulatory ties with BrusselsKeir Starmer is set to face fresh battles over his EU “reset” with his plans to lay a bill that could lead to closer regulatory ties with Brussels.The legislation aims to introduce an alignment mechanism for the agrifoods and electricity trading deals agreed with EU leaders but still under negotiation. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Water bills to rise further as industry regulator costs soar to £72million despite plans to abolish it

Ofwat's costs have jumped to £72 million up from £56.1 million in 2024-25, a 28per cent increase despite plans to abolish it.

Economics